PAWTUCKET, R.I. (THECOUNT) — A shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, near the Massachusetts state line and just north of Providence, left three family members dead Monday afternoon during a high school hockey game in what authorities are investigating as an apparent domestic murder-suicide.
The shooting occurred shortly before 3 p.m. inside the arena, located on Andrew D. Ferland Way. A high school hockey game had been scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., and video recorded inside the facility captured multiple gunshots echoing throughout the rink as players and spectators scrambled for safety.
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According to reports, the suspected gunman fatally shot his wife and one of his children before turning the weapon on himself. Three individuals, including the alleged shooter, were pronounced dead. Authorities indicated that three additional children were shot and transported to area hospitals. In total, four individuals were reported hospitalized following the incident.
Local law enforcement officers, paramedics, Rhode Island State Police, and federal authorities responded to the scene. The FBI was observed assisting in the investigation as officials secured the arena and began interviewing witnesses.
Video from inside the rink shows what appear to be more than ten shots fired in rapid succession. Players were seen fleeing the ice while parents and spectators took cover behind seating areas and arena structures as the chaos unfolded. Several moments pass before a final shot is heard.
BREAKING: New footage shows moment shooting erupts at ice rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island https://t.co/X84VKgPq66 pic.twitter.com/q8ldyzCIb4
— Rapid Report (@RapidReport2025) February 16, 2026
Officials have described the shooting as domestic in nature, involving members of the same family. The identities of the deceased have not been publicly released pending notification of next of kin. Authorities have not yet provided additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee issued a statement following the incident, saying, “I just spoke with Mayor Grebien as well as the Rhode Island State Police who are working with local law enforcement. I am praying for Pawtucket and everyone involved.”
The Dennis M. Lynch Arena is a municipal ice facility that hosts youth and high school hockey events and serves the greater Pawtucket and Providence metropolitan area. Pawtucket is located in northeastern Rhode Island, approximately five miles north of downtown Providence and roughly 50 miles south of Boston.
Investigators remain on scene as they continue to collect evidence and review available surveillance footage. Authorities are expected to provide additional updates as more information becomes available.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or crisis, help is available. In the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In an emergency, call 911.
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