Three people are dead after a gunman opened fire during a youth hockey game in Rhode Island, turning what should have been a routine high school fixture into a scene of panic and devastation. The shooting took place on Monday evening at an ice rink in Pawtucket, just north of Providence, with families and students gathered in the stands.
Police say the suspected gunman was a father who may have been dressed in women’s clothing. According to local reports, he intentionally targeted family members attending the game. Authorities believe the violence stemmed from a domestic dispute.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves described the incident as “a targeted event” that “may be a family dispute”. She confirmed that three people, including the suspect, died. The gunman is believed to have shot himself. Three others remain in hospital in critical condition.
Inside the arena, witnesses described scenes of chaos as shots rang out shortly after the start of the first period. Players reportedly fled the ice in full kit, while spectators ducked for cover and rushed towards exits. Outside, tearful families embraced as police sealed off surrounding roads and helicopters circled overhead.
Key details about the Rhode Island shooting
- The shooting occurred at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket during a boys’ high school hockey game.
- Police say three people, including the suspected gunman, were killed. The suspect died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- Three additional victims were taken to hospital and remain in critical condition.
- The suspect was identified as a father who may have been wearing women’s clothing at the time of the attack, according to reporting by NBC 10's Dan Jaehnig.
- Authorities believe the incident was targeted and linked to a family dispute.
- Investigators are reviewing video footage from inside the arena and interviewing witnesses. Unverified social media clips appear to show players diving for cover as multiple shots are heard.
- Schools involved in the game confirmed that students on the ice were safe. The shooting is understood to have involved spectators.
- Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee said he was monitoring the situation and in contact with local law enforcement. The FBI’s Boston office confirmed it was ready to assist and said there was no ongoing threat.
- Mayor Don Grebien called the incident “very tragic”, saying: “These are high school kids… a fun time, and it turned into this.”
The attack comes less than two months after a separate gun tragedy in the state, but officials have said the two incidents are not connected.
