Five people were shot in the Pawtucket rink shooting at the ice arena Monday afternoon, when a father opened fire on five members of his own family during a hockey game, killing two and critically injuring three before taking his own life, WPRI confirmed.
According to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the incident, the student’s mother was killed inside the rink. One sibling later died at the hospital.
The three other family members remained in critical condition at Rhode Island Hospital as of late Monday afternoon, a spokesperson for Brown Health said. Authorities have not released the victims’ names.
WATCH: First video emerges from the shooting at an ice rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. pic.twitter.com/HEiJsVeFOB
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Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said investigators believe the shooting stemmed from a targeted family dispute but stressed that the case remains under active investigation.
Shooting Unfolds During “Senior Night”
The violence erupted around 2:30 p.m. at Lynch Arena during a “Senior Night” boys’ hockey game. The matchup featured the Coventry-Johnston co-op team against the Blackstone Valley Schools team, which includes St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, and the public school districts of North Providence and North Smithfield.
“What should have been a joyful occasion, with dozens of families, students and supporters gathered to celebrate Senior Night, was instead marked by violence and fear,” Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien said in a statement. He added that the city is mourning and pledged continued updates as confirmed information becomes available.
Chaos Inside the Rink
Witnesses described a chaotic and terrifying scene. One student told 12 News he heard several loud “bangs” before realizing they were gunshots, prompting people to run toward exits.
Video from a livestream of the game shows play on the ice interrupted by rapid gunfire coming from the stands. At least 14 shots can be heard in quick succession, followed by one or two more roughly 10 seconds later. Players and spectators can be seen scrambling off the ice and fleeing the stands.
An employee at a nearby Walgreens said people rushed into the store in a panic reporting that a shooting had occurred. The employee called 911 and closed the store.
A massive police response followed, with law enforcement vehicles surrounding the arena. Hockey players were seen standing outside, some still in their socks after removing their skates, before being transported away on RIPTA buses.
State and Federal Response
The shooting comes less than two months after a separate deadly shooting at Brown University, further shaking communities across Rhode Island.
Gov. Dan McKee said the state is grieving and urged anyone in need of mental health support to call 988. He said additional mental health resources will be made available to students and families in the coming days.
“As governor, a parent and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families, students and everyone impacted,” McKee said, adding that the affected communities have the state’s full support.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that agents from the FBI’s Boston Division have joined the investigation and are assisting local authorities. The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office is also investigating.
Schools Confirm Students Safe
School officials from the districts involved in the game issued statements confirming their students were safe.
North Providence Superintendent Joseph Goho, Providence Country Day Head of School Kevin Folan, Johnston Public Schools, Coventry Superintendent Don Cowart, and North Smithfield High School Principal Dan Geraghty all said student-athletes and staff had been accounted for and reunited with their families. Districts said mental health resources will be made available.
Games Suspended
The Rhode Island Interscholastic League announced Monday night that it is temporarily suspending all games out of respect for the victims and to allow communities time to reflect on what it called a senseless act of violence.
Authorities continue to investigate the shooting.
This is a developing story. More details are expected.
