Crime
Graphic Video Shows Suspect Shot Five Members of Student’s Family Inside Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — A high school hockey game in Pawtucket turned tragic Monday afternoon when a North Providence High School senior’s father allegedly shot five members of the same family inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena before taking his own life, according to law enforcement officials and sources familiar with the investigation.
Authorities said the shooting occurred around 2:30 p.m. during a “Senior Night” matchup featuring the Coventry-Johnston co-op team and the Blackstone Valley co-op team, which includes St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, and the public school districts of North Providence and North Smithfield.
The game drew players, students, coaches, and family members to the indoor skating rink on Andrew D. Ferland Way.
According to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the incident, the suspect opened fire on his wife and children in what authorities have described as an apparent domestic dispute.
The student’s mother was pronounced dead at the arena.
A sibling later died at the hospital.
Three additional family members were transported to Rhode Island Hospital in critical condition, a spokesperson for Brown Health confirmed late Monday.
Officials have not released the victims’ names pending notification of next of kin.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves stated that three people, including the suspected shooter, were killed in the incident, and three others were injured.
Investigators believe the suspect fatally shot his wife and multiple children before turning the gun on himself.
Authorities confirmed that the suspected gunman is deceased and that police are not seeking any additional suspects.
Video captured during a live stream of the game shows play on the ice abruptly interrupted by the sound of rapid gunfire, reportedly coming from the stands.
At least a dozen shots can be heard in quick succession, followed by additional gunfire seconds later.
Players and spectators are seen fleeing the ice and stands in panic as law enforcement rushed to the scene.
Police have urged the public not to rely on unverified social media speculation, including early claims regarding the shooter’s identity, as the investigation remains active.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien described the shooting as “tragic” but characterized it as an isolated incident. City officials emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Nearby businesses were also affected.
An employee at a Walgreens on Andrew D. Ferland Way reported that individuals ran into the store seeking shelter after reporting gunfire at the rink.
Store management closed the location and contacted 911 while customers and staff sheltered in place until authorities secured the area.
Law enforcement quickly established a perimeter around the arena and began interviewing witnesses. Officials have not disclosed a definitive motive beyond describing the shooting as family-related.
They also have not publicly confirmed the total number of shots fired.
The investigation remains ongoing as state and local authorities work to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Additional updates are expected as more information becomes available.
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — A source familiar with the situation told Channel2 NOW that the individual responsible for the shooting at the ice rink is the father of a North Providence High School senior.
The source stated they previously played hockey with one of the suspect’s sons, who was reportedly among those targeted during the incident.
According to the source, the suspect fatally shot his young daughter and opened fire on his ex-wife and another individual during his son’s Senior Night hockey game.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed these specific details, and the identities of those involved have not yet been officially released.
A tragic act of domestic violence unfolded Monday afternoon at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, where the father of a North Providence High School senior allegedly shot five members of his own family during a Senior Night hockey game.
Two victims died as a result of the shooting, and three others were critically injured before the gunman took his own life, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the investigation.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. during a Senior Night matchup featuring the Coventry-Johnston cooperative hockey team against the Blackstone Valley Schools team, which includes St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, and the public school districts of North Providence and North Smithfield.
The event had drawn dozens of students, parents, and community members to celebrate graduating seniors.
According to sources, the student’s mother was fatally shot at the rink. A sibling later succumbed to injuries at the hospital.
Three additional family members were transported to Rhode Island Hospital in critical condition. A spokesperson for Brown Health confirmed their status as of late Monday afternoon. Authorities have not released the names of the victims.
Video from a livestream of the game shows the moment violence erupted.
The footage captures the sound of rapid gunfire interrupting play on the ice, apparently originating from the stands.
At least 14 shots can be heard fired in quick succession, followed by one or two additional gunshots roughly 10 seconds later.
Players and spectators are seen scrambling off the ice and fleeing the seating area in panic.
The shooting prompted a massive law enforcement response. Police vehicles quickly surrounded the arena, and officers secured the scene.
Shortly afterward, numerous hockey players were seen gathered outside the facility—some still in socks after removing their skates—before being transported from the area for safety.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien described the shooting as a tragic and devastating event.
“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,” Grebien said in a statement. He characterized the shooting as an isolated incident and expressed condolences to the victims and their families.
“Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning,” he added. “We will stand together to support all those affected in the difficult days ahead.”
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee also issued a statement, encouraging anyone in need of mental health assistance to contact 988 and announcing that additional counseling resources would be made available to affected students and families.
“Our state is grieving again,” McKee said. “As governor, a parent, and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families, students, and everyone impacted by the devastating shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.”
Kash Patel, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, confirmed that agents from the FBI’s Boston Division responded to Pawtucket and are assisting in the investigation. He stated that federal authorities would provide any necessary resources to state and local law enforcement.
School officials moved quickly to reassure families. Providence Country Day School Head of School Kevin Folan informed families that all PCD students, parents, and staff who attended the game were safe. Johnston school officials similarly confirmed that all of their students were accounted for.
Coventry Superintendent Don Cowart sent updates throughout the afternoon, first confirming that all district students had been accounted for and later announcing that they had been reunited with their families. He noted that mental health resources would be made available to hockey players and their families in the days ahead.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the events leading up to the violence and the suspect’s actions inside the arena. Officials have emphasized that this appears to have been a targeted domestic incident rather than a broader threat to the public.
Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.