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OAN Staff Brooke Mallory
4:00 PM – Monday, February 16, 2026
A high school hockey game turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy on Monday when a gunman opened fire at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, resulting in the deaths of two people. The shooter died from a self inflicted gunshot as well.
During a boys’ hockey game between Blackstone Valley schools, reports from the scene described a frantic environment where spectators and student-athletes were forced to duck for cover as gunshots rang out through the arena.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves emphasized that the incident appears to have been a “targeted event,” stemming from a family dispute that erupted in the stands while hockey teams were still on the ice.
Additionally, according to a witness who contacted the media, the shooter was the father of one of the hockey players. He targeted and shot those seated next to him — his own family members — in what looked like a murder-suicide, they added. That said, police have not yet released the victims’ names, specific relationships, or any detailed witness statements.
Chief Goncalves later confirmed that while police have now identified the individuals involved, they are withholding that information from the public until all immediate family members have been notified.
Although surfacing news reports had suggested a young girl was among the deceased, officials later clarified that the two victims killed at the scene were adults, while three other victims, children of the suspect, were rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The arena, located just five miles outside of Providence, was quickly swarmed by local police, the ATF, and FBI. Emotional scenes followed as high school players, still in their hockey uniforms, were seen embracing their families outside the rink before being evacuated by bus.
“I can’t imagine what these residents are going through. These are high school kids… it has to be traumatic,” said Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien.
Governor Dan McKee (D-RI) expressed his condolences on social media as well, stating that he was monitoring the situation closely and praying for the Pawtucket community.
Speaking to the press, witnesses at the game described a chaotic scene where a spectator heroically attempted to disarm the gunman before the shooter ultimately died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
In a final update issued on Monday, an administrator for one of the school districts whose players were present at the game, Coventry School Department Superintendent Don Cowart, stated that “all Coventry students have been safely reunited with their loved ones.”
Additionally, Cowart noted that mental health resources will be made available to all affected students and families.
The Pawtucket Police Department and the FBI have since assured the public that there is no active threat remaining. Roads surrounding the arena on Andrew D. Ferland Way remain closed as investigators process the scene.
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