R.I. Rink Shooting Leaves 3 Dead, Several Injured
A tragic shooting incident occurred at a hockey rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on February 16, 2026. This incident left three people dead, including the shooter, and several others injured. The event took place during a high school hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, which is located just a few miles from Providence.
Incident Overview
According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, the shooter died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. While police were not directly involved in the shooter’s death, an investigation is ongoing. Goncalves indicated that the incident appeared to be targeted and possibly stemmed from a family dispute.
Victims and Injuries
- Three people were injured, all hospitalized and reported to be in critical condition.
- The identities and ages of the deceased victims have not been disclosed, though it is believed they were adults.
Witness Accounts
The game, which was being livestreamed, abruptly paused as gunshots rang out. Players and coaches quickly fled the ice. Olin Lawrence, a goalie, described the chaos, initially mistaking the gunfire for balloons. Lawrence and his teammates took refuge in the locker room, attempting to stay safe.
Reactions and Aftermath
Outside the arena, emotional families and players in their uniforms gathered, offering support to one another. Roads surrounding the area were closed off as law enforcement maintained a strong presence. Helicopters could be seen overhead before the roads were reopened later in the afternoon.
Context of Gun Violence in Rhode Island
This incident follows another tragic shooting that occurred nearly two months prior at Brown University, where two students were killed, and nine others were injured. The gunman in that case later took his own life in a New Hampshire storage facility.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien expressed his sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the tragedy of high school students experiencing such violence during a sporting event.
As investigations continue, the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event. For more updates, visit Filmogaz.com.
