PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WPRI) — Three people are dead after a “family dispute” shooting at a Rhode Island ice skating rink on Monday.
The attack took place at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, around 2:30 p.m. while a “senior night” hockey game was taking place. The father of a local high school senior shot five members of the student’s family at the rink. The student’s mother was killed at the rink, while his sister died at the hospital, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the incident told Nexstar’s WPRI.
Three other family members were taken to the hospital and were in critical condition at Rhode Island Hospital as of late Monday afternoon, a spokesperson for Brown Health confirmed. No names have been released so far.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said the shooting appeared to be “a family dispute,” but she declined to provide any additional details.
“What should have been a joyful occasion, with dozens of families, students, and supporters gathered to celebrate Senior Night … was instead marked by violence and fear,” Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien said in a statement. “Our prayers go out to the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this devastating incident.”
A video of the shooting from the live-stream of the game shows play on the ice being interrupted by the sounds of rapid gunfire, seemingly from somewhere in the stands. At least 14 gunshots can be heard being fired off consecutively, followed by one or two more gunshots roughly 10 seconds later. Players and attendees can be seen scrambling off the ice and out of the stands to get away from the gunfire.
One student leaving the rink told WPRI he heard several “bangs” before people began to run for the exits. An employee at a nearby Walgreens said people came into the pharmacy panicking, saying there was a shooting. The employee called 911 as people sheltered inside the store.
Shooting scene at Dennis M. Lynch Area in Pawtucket on Feb. 16, 2026.
Shooting scene at Dennis M Lynch Area in Pawtucket on Feb. 16, 2026.
Shooting scene at Dennis M Lynch Area in Pawtucket on Feb. 16, 2026.
The shooting triggered a massive police response, as law enforcement vehicles surrounded the arena. Shortly after the shooting, a large crowd of hockey players were seen standing outside the arena, some still in their socks after removing their ice skates, before they were taken away.
Gov. Dan McKee said he was aware of the situation and monitoring developments.
Coventry Superintendent Don Cowart sent an email to families after the shooting, saying they were aware of a “serious reported incident” at the arena.
“Information is still developing, and we are actively working with event staff and local authorities to understand the situation,” Cowart wrote.
“We have been informed that students are secured in multiple locations,” he continued. “At this time, we are still working the status and location of all individuals.”
