rhode island shooting at Pawtucket hockey rink kills two, wounds three; suspect dead
Police revealed new details Tuesday about a brazen, targeted attack that unfolded Monday night inside a Pawtucket ice arena, where a man opened fire in the bleachers during a high school hockey game, killing two family members and later taking his own life. Three other people remained in critical condition following the incident.
What happened at the rink
Pawtucket officers say the shooting unfolded inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena during a game that marked a senior night for one of the players. Investigators described the assault as deliberate and methodical, with the suspect moving through the bleachers and firing at family members individually. The sequence began when the suspect entered the building, left briefly, then reentered before opening fire.
First responders arrived on scene as the melee ended. At least three bystanders — identified as family members or friends of players — intervened and briefly detained the assailant. At that point, police say the man drew a second weapon and then fatally shot himself. Officers recovered two handguns from the scene: a Glock 10 mm and a SIG Sauer P226. All times referenced are Eastern Time (ET).
Victims and suspect details
Authorities identified the deceased victims as the suspect’s ex-wife and his son, both of whom were seated with other family members in the bleachers. Two of the survivors listed in critical condition are the ex-wife’s parents, and another is a family friend who tried to intervene. Medical teams transported the wounded to local hospitals for emergency treatment.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said the suspect was known to attend his son’s games in the past, and his presence that night was not out of the ordinary. The chief described the shooting as "very targeted, " noting there was no apparent conversation or confrontation leading up to the attack. Investigators are treating the incident primarily as a family dispute until further motive can be established.
Officials confirmed the suspect was 56 years old and had publicly identified as transgender since 2020. Chief Goncalves noted the individual was wearing women’s clothing at the time of the shooting and that past family tensions included disputes over gender identity. Investigators are continuing to examine whether those conflicts played a role in the motive.
Investigation and community response
Police emphasized that the probe is ongoing. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage, witness statements and the suspect’s movements before the shooting — including his exit and reentry to the arena — to establish a clear timeline. They are also examining social media activity and other communications to identify any clear trigger for the attack.
Local officials have offered crisis support to classmates, teammates and community members grappling with the aftermath. School leaders and emergency responders coordinated to provide counseling services, and extra security measures will be considered for upcoming events. Community leaders asked for privacy as the grieving families and injured recover in hospital care.
Chief Goncalves said investigators remain focused on firming up the motive and asked anyone with additional information to contact the police department. The department pledged to release more information as it becomes available while continuing to work with medical personnel and community partners to support those affected.
