- A father fatally shot two family members and injured three others during a high school hockey game at Lynch Arena on Monday afternoon.
- The suspect died at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound; authorities have characterized the incident as a 'targeted' family dispute.
- All student-athletes from the participating co-op teams have been accounted for and are reported safe following the shooting.
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — A domestic dispute resulted in the deaths of three people, including the gunman, during a "Senior Night" high school hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena on Monday.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed that the shooting, which occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 16, 2026, appeared to be a targeted event involving a family conflict. The suspect, identified by law enforcement sources as the father of a North Providence High School senior, opened fire on five of his own family members in the stands before taking his own life.
The Incident
The shooting took place while the Coventry-Johnston co-op team was playing against the Blackstone Valley co-op team. A livestream of the game recorded the sounds of approximately 14 consecutive gunshots, followed by a brief pause and additional fire.
The victims identified thus far include:
The student's mother: Pronounced dead at the arena.
A sibling: Succumbed to injuries after being transported to the hospital.
Three additional family members: Currently in critical condition at Rhode Island Hospital.
Pawtucket Police reported the suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. U.S. Senator Jack Reed noted that a "good Samaritan" reportedly attempted to confront and disarm the shooter during the attack.
Response and Safety Status
Law enforcement from multiple agencies, including the FBI’s Boston Division and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), responded to the scene.
School officials from North Providence, North Smithfield, Johnston, Coventry, St. Raphael Academy, and Providence Country Day confirmed that all students and staff members in attendance were unharmed. RIPTA buses were utilized to assist in the reunification of families at the scene.
Community Impact
The shooting occurred just two months after a separate mass shooting at Brown University, prompting statements of shock from state leaders. Governor Dan McKee, citing his background as a former coach and parent, expressed that the state is "grieving again" and announced that mental health resources would be deployed to the impacted school districts.
Authorities have not yet officially released the names of the victims or the suspect, pending further family notification. The investigation remains active as the Pawtucket Police Department and state partners process the evidence from the arena.
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