Deadly shooting at Pawtucket high school hockey game leaves two dead, at least three wounded
Two people were killed and at least three others were wounded after gunfire broke out during a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on Feb. 16 (ET), the Pawtucket Police Department confirmed. The shooting, which authorities say stemmed from a family dispute, occurred at Dennis M. Lynch Arena and left the local community reeling.
Scene and preliminary investigation
Police confirmed that the incident unfolded at Dennis M. Lynch Arena during a high school event that drew students, coaches, family members and fans. The arena sits within the city of Pawtucket, a municipality in Providence County, and is located roughly five miles from Providence. The site is about a 20-mile drive from the region's major professional football stadium.
Investigators have characterized the confrontation as a family dispute that escalated into gunfire. At least two people were killed and three others were injured. Emergency responders transported the wounded to area hospitals for treatment. Authorities have not released the identities of the deceased or the injured while notifications to next of kin are completed and the investigation continues.
Law enforcement officers secured the scene and canvassed the arena and surrounding areas for evidence and witnesses. Investigators are pursuing leads to establish a timeline and determine whether any arrests will be made in connection with the shooting. Officials urged anyone with information to come forward to assist with the ongoing inquiry.
Community and sports world reactions
The shooting prompted immediate expressions of shock and sympathy from local leaders, schools and sports organizations. One professional football franchise issued a message saying the organization was "heartbroken by the tragic shooting that occurred today in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, " and added that its thoughts were with students, coaches, fans and all those affected by the act of violence.
Other regional teams, athletic programs and civic groups also released statements offering condolences and pledging support for victims and their families. School officials canceled or postponed related events as they worked to provide counseling and information to students and families impacted by the night’s violence.
Community members described the atmosphere at the arena as stunned and somber in the hours after the shooting. Local leaders called for calm and emphasized the need to support those directly affected while the investigation proceeds.
Ongoing response and next steps
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses and coordinating with other law enforcement units to piece together a full account of events. No additional details about suspects or motives have been released beyond the preliminary characterization of a family dispute.
Officials have said more information will be shared when it is appropriate and does not compromise the investigation. In the meantime, schools and community organizations are mobilizing resources to aid students, families and others coping with the aftermath of the shooting.
The incident has renewed conversations about public safety at youth sporting events and the need for community supports in the wake of traumatic incidents. As investigators continue their work, the city and region are left to grapple with the human toll of the violence and efforts to prevent similar tragedies going forward.
