PAWTUCKET R.I., A high school hockey game in Pawtucket turned tragic Monday afternoon when a North Providence High School senior’s father allegedly shot five members of the same family inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena before taking his own life, according to law enforcement officials and sources familiar with the investigation.
Authorities said the shooting occurred around 2:30 p.m. during a “Senior Night” matchup featuring the Coventry-Johnston co-op team and the Blackstone Valley co-op team, which includes St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, and the public school districts of North Providence and North Smithfield. The game drew players, students, coaches, and family members to the indoor skating rink on Andrew D. Ferland Way.
According to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the incident, the suspect opened fire on his wife and children in what authorities have described as an apparent domestic dispute.
The student’s mother was pronounced dead at the arena.
A sibling later died at the hospital.
Three additional family members were transported to Rhode Island Hospital in critical condition, a spokesperson for Brown Health confirmed late Monday.
Officials have not released the victims’ names pending notification of next of kin.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves stated that three people, including the suspected shooter, were killed in the incident, and three others were injured.
Investigators believe the suspect fatally shot his wife and multiple children before turning the gun on himself.
Authorities confirmed that the suspected gunman is deceased and that police are not seeking any additional suspects.
Video captured during a livestream of the game shows play on the ice abruptly interrupted by the sound of rapid gunfire, reportedly coming from the stands.
At least a dozen shots can be heard in quick succession, followed by additional gunfire seconds later.
Players and spectators are seen leaving the ice and stands in panic as law enforcement responded to the scene.
Police have urged the public not to rely on unverified social media speculation, including early claims regarding the shooter’s identity, as the investigation remains active.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien described the shooting as “tragic” and characterized it as an isolated incident. City officials emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Nearby businesses were also affected.
An employee at a Walgreens on Andrew D. Ferland Way reported that individuals entered the store seeking shelter after reporting gunfire at the rink.
Store management closed the location and contacted 911 while customers and staff sheltered in place until authorities secured the area.
Law enforcement established a perimeter around the arena and began interviewing witnesses. Officials have not disclosed a definitive motive beyond describing the shooting as family-related.
They also have not publicly confirmed the total number of shots fired.
The investigation remains ongoing as state and local authorities work to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Additional updates are expected as more information becomes available.
