Rhode Island Father Opens Fire on Family During High School Hockey Game in Pawtucket Leaving Multiple Dead and Injured

A peaceful “Senior Night” hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, turned into chaos on Monday when a father opened fire on his own family inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena.

Livestream footage of the game quickly circulated online, capturing the terrifying moments as players and spectators scrambled for safety.

Around six shots were initially fired, prompting players on the ice to dive toward the sidelines.

Within minutes, the gunman had fired roughly a dozen rounds, forcing some hockey players to jump onto the ice and make a desperate dash toward the back of the rink. Screams and cries filled the arena as people sought cover.

Victims and Investigation

Authorities have confirmed that two spectators were killed and that the incident stemmed from a family dispute. The gunman also killed his wife and shot at his children before taking his own life.

One child died at a local hospital, while a second child and two others remain in critical condition.

A source from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed the family connection and noted the gunman had a history of mental health issues.

Remarkably, none of the hockey players on the ice were injured, as the shooting occurred in the stands.

Eyewitness Accounts

Parents and players described the scene as chaotic and surreal. One hockey player, Olin Lawrence, recalled initially thinking the sounds were balloons popping before realizing they were gunshots. He and his teammates rushed to the locker room and barricaded themselves for safety.

Footage shows a man wearing a white beanie moving through the stands and opening fire into the crowd. Some reports suggest he may have been wearing women’s clothing at the time.

Parents were seen shielding their children and fleeing to the parking lot, while emergency services arrived promptly to assist the wounded.

Community Response

Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien expressed sorrow over the tragedy: “What should have been a joyful occasion… was instead marked by violence and fear.

Our prayers go out to the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this devastating incident.”

North Providence Public Schools Superintendent Joseph Goho assured the public that all student athletes were safe.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to those involved in this tragic incident,” he added, emphasizing that it was a federal holiday and no school-day students were affected.

First Responders and Ongoing Support

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee called for unity and prayer, noting the state’s grief follows a prior shooting at Brown University.

He thanked first responders and encouraged anyone needing support to contact the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Mental health resources are being made available for students, families, and community members in the aftermath of the shooting.

The FBI and local authorities are investigating the incident, though they have confirmed there is no imminent threat to public safety.

What’s next?

Authorities are continuing to gather information and confirm details about the victims.

Mental health and trauma support will be made available to students, families, and community members throughout Pawtucket and surrounding areas.

Schools and local organizations are coordinating to ensure a safe environment for students returning to activities.

The public is advised to avoid the arena area while investigations are ongoing. Officials have pledged updates as confirmed information becomes available.

Summary

On February 16, 2026, a father opened fire on his family during a high school hockey “Senior Night” in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, killing two spectators, his wife, and one child, while critically injuring others.

Hockey players on the ice were unharmed. Eyewitness footage and reports describe chaos as players and spectators fled.

Authorities have confirmed a family dispute as the motive and are investigating.

Community leaders and mental health resources are mobilized to support victims and families in the wake of the tragedy.