A deadly shooting unfolded Monday afternoon at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, leaving at least four people dead, including the suspected gunman, and several others hospitalized. The violence erupted during a boys’ hockey game between Coventry Public Schools and Blackstone Valley Schools, turning what was meant to be a routine sporting event into a scene of chaos and panic. Witnesses reported children fleeing in fear, with some running into nearby stores for safety as gunshots echoed through the indoor ice rink.
Authorities responding to the scene found multiple victims inside the arena, while emergency medical teams rushed the injured to nearby hospitals. According to police, the shooter is believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after opening fire. Two victims were pronounced dead at the location, while another later succumbed to injuries at the hospital. The rapid escalation of violence in a public space filled with families and students has once again raised serious concerns over security at youth sporting events across the country.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves stated that early investigations suggest the shooting was targeted and stemmed from a family dispute, rather than a random attack. The first emergency call was received around 2:28 pm, prompting an immediate police and federal response, including ATF agents. While officials have not yet confirmed the relationships between the suspect and victims or their ages, the incident underscores how private conflicts can spiral into public tragedies with devastating consequences.
