February 16, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
A mass shooting erupted on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, when a gunman opened fire during a high school hockey game, killing two people and himself and critically injuring three others, authorities said.
Officials reported that the shooter was found dead inside the arena from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and law enforcement did not fire on him. Police described the incident as a targeted event that may be linked to a family dispute, though details are still being investigated.
What Happened
The shooting occurred around mid-afternoon during a boys’ high school hockey game that drew players, families, and spectators. Eyewitnesses described chaos as gunfire broke out, with players and fans taking cover and fleeing the stands. Live footage from the game’s livestream shows people diving for safety amid multiple shots.
Police said the three victims who were injured have been hospitalised in critical condition, and their identities have not been released pending family notification. Officials emphasised that there is no ongoing threat to public safety in the aftermath of the incident.
Community Response
Local and federal law enforcement personnel including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) responded swiftly to the scene, and authorities temporarily closed roads around the arena as part of the investigation. Leaders including Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed deep sorrow over the shooting, offering condolences and support to the victims’ families and the community.
School officials confirmed that none of the student athletes were harmed, and students were accounted for safely after the incident. Schools involved in the game, including teams from Coventry, Johnston, and Providence Country Day, reassured parents and guardians that students were being cared for in the wake of the tragedy.
Background and Context
Mass shootings at community events remain a profound concern in the United States, and this incident in Pawtucket comes nearly two months after a separate shooting at Brown University that left several dead and injured in nearby Providence. Law enforcement continues to investigate both the motive and circumstances surrounding the Rhode Island ice rink attack as deeper details emerge.