A young girl was killed and four other people were wounded after a gunman opened fire from the stands during a high school boys hockey game Monday afternoon at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, authorities said. The suspected shooter also died at the scene.
Police said the shooting unfolded around 2:30 p.m. as teams from Coventry-Johnston and St. Raphael-Providence Country Day-North Providence-North Smithfield were playing before a crowd of students, parents and spectators.
The mayor’s office in Pawtucket confirmed that officers are not seeking additional suspects after determining the gunman was deceased. Law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation indicated the violence appears to have stemmed from a domestic dispute, with the shooter allegedly targeting members of his own family before turning the weapon on himself.
Authorities have not publicly identified the victims or the suspect pending notification of families.
The gunfire erupted from behind one of the team benches, triggering panic inside the arena. Witnesses described hearing a series of loud bangs that at first resembled firecrackers before realizing they were gunshots.
Chip DeLorenzo, a photographer covering the game, said he was positioned near the rink when the shots rang out.
“I heard multiple loud pops,” he said. “At first it sounded like fireworks, but when people started screaming, it became clear something was very wrong.”
Spectators scrambled for cover, and many fled the building as emergency sirens filled the air outside.
An employee at a nearby Walgreens said children rushed into the store seeking safety, telling workers that shots had been fired inside the arena. The store was temporarily closed and evacuated as police secured the area.
Investigators said at least one bystander attempted to intervene during the chaos. Local media reported that a father confronted the gunman and wrestled a firearm away from him, though the suspect allegedly produced another weapon moments later. Authorities have not confirmed those details.
Emergency crews transported four wounded individuals to local hospitals. Their conditions were not immediately released. Officials confirmed that one of the victims, described as a young girl, died from her injuries.
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said state police were assisting Pawtucket authorities and urged the public to avoid the area as the investigation continued.
“I am praying for Pawtucket and everyone involved,” McKee said in a statement.
Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien said law enforcement quickly secured the arena and evacuated spectators. Officers conducted a thorough sweep of the building to ensure there were no additional threats.
Agents from the Boston field office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to assist with the investigation. The agency said it is working alongside local and state authorities to determine the sequence of events and examine the firearms involved.
School officials from the participating teams issued statements confirming that their students were safe.
Coventry Public Schools Superintendent Don Cowart said all members of the Coventry-Johnston hockey team were accounted for and under police supervision as reunification plans were arranged with families.
Providence Country Day School and St. Raphael Academy also confirmed that their students and staff at the game were safe.
The shooting sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Rhode Island hockey community, where high school games are often family-oriented events drawing large crowds. Parents and students gathered outside the arena as flashing police lights illuminated the streets.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive beyond preliminary indications that the incident may have been domestic in nature. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses and reconstructing the events that led to the deadly outbreak of violence.
Officials said more information would be released once the investigation advances.
The tragedy underscores growing concerns about gun violence in public spaces, even at youth sporting events typically considered safe gathering places for families.
As night fell, police remained stationed outside the arena while forensic teams processed the scene.
Community leaders urged residents to support those affected and to rely on verified updates from law enforcement as details continue to emerge.
The investigation remains active.
TheSun/NBC
