Shooting at Rhode Island Hockey Game Leaves 2 Dead, 3 Injured

Chilling livestream footage captured the moment a gunman opened fire at a high school hockey tournament in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Feb. 17, 2026 at 8:39pm

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A livestream of a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island captured the terrifying moment a gunman opened fire, killing two people and injuring three others. The shooter, who police believe was targeting members of his own family, was later found dead inside the arena. Students and spectators fled in panic as the players took cover in the locker room.

Why it matters

The shooting at the hockey game has shaken the local community and raised concerns about safety at high school sporting events. It also highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States and the need for better solutions to prevent such tragedies.

The details

According to the chilling livestream footage, the gunman opened fire around 2:30 pm, unleashing approximately 11 gunshots. Players on the ice had nowhere to hide and rushed off the rink, while spectators in the stands dove to the ground and made a mad dash for the exits. The shooter was found dead near one of the fatal victims, and police are investigating the incident as a 'family dispute'.

  • The shooting occurred around 2:30 pm on February 16, 2026 during a high school hockey tournament.
  • The livestream footage captured the moment the gunman opened fire.

The players

Pawtucket Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the shooting incident.

Blackstone Valley Schools

One of the high school teams participating in the hockey tournament when the shooting occurred.

Branden Mello

A local sports editor who was present at the game and witnessed the shooting.

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What they’re saying

“The gunman was sitting in the last row of the stands near the Blackstone Valley Schools' bench before he moved down to the front and fired at people in the 'second or third row.'”

— Branden Mello, Local sports editor

“Another father at the game wrestled a gun out of the shooter's hands, but they still 'had a second weapon' and fired again.”

— Branden Mello, Local sports editor

What’s next

Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the shooting and the relationships between the victims and the gunman. The community is expected to hold vigils and memorial services for the victims in the coming days.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting at a high school hockey game serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing gun violence crisis in the United States and the need for comprehensive solutions to prevent such senseless acts of violence from occurring at community events.