PAWTUCKET, R.I. — A shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, left three people dead, including the shooter, and three others critically injured, authorities said. The incident occurred during a youth hockey game, sending a wave of shock and fear through the community.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves described the shooting as a “targeted family dispute” that tragically escalated into violence, according to reports. The game at the time was a co-op matchup between the Coventry-Johnston team and a combined squad from St. Raphael–Providence Country Day–North Providence–North Smithfield. Senior Night festivities were underway, contributing to a larger-than-usual crowd at the arena, though it was not at full capacity due to the President’s Day holiday.
The gunfire erupted in the spectator area, near the Zamboni storage section, and did not directly involve any of the student athletes who were participating in the game. Players, families, and spectators were forced to scramble for safety as shots rang out, creating a scene of chaos, and panic.
Details surrounding the identities of the victims and the shooter were not immediately released by authorities. However, court records suggest the shooter’s gender identity may be connected to the underlying family disputes that fueled the violence, according to reporting by WPRI.com.
The shooting prompted a swift response from law enforcement, and one individual was credited with helping to bring the violent scene to a rapid end, PBS NewsHour reported. The arena was immediately placed on lockdown as police investigated the scene and secured the area.
The incident has deeply shaken the Rhode Island hockey community and beyond. Images circulating online and in news reports show a scene of distress outside the arena, with parents embracing their children and speaking to police officers. The emotional toll on those present during the shooting is immeasurable.
“It’s a tragedy, a senseless act of violence,” said one parent, speaking to reporters outside the arena, as captured in photographs by the Associated Press. “You send your kids to a hockey game, you expect them to be safe.”
The Mayor’s office in Pawtucket confirmed that two people were killed in addition to the shooter, and three others sustained injuries. The extent of those injuries has not been disclosed.
The Dennis M. Lynch Arena is a popular venue for youth hockey in Rhode Island, hosting numerous games and tournaments throughout the year. The shooting raises serious questions about security measures at public sporting events and the potential for violence to disrupt community gatherings.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to release more information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the motives of the shooter. The community is left to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event and to support those affected by the violence.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
