Shooting Erupts at Rhode Island Hockey Arena, Leaving 3 Dead

Eyewitness video shows chaos as gunfire rang out during a youth hockey game in Pawtucket

Feb. 17, 2026 at 6:31pm

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A shooting at a hockey arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on Monday left three people dead, including the suspected gunman, and three others critically injured. Eyewitness video shows players and spectators scrambling for cover as gunshots rang out during a youth hockey game. Police are investigating the incident as a targeted attack, possibly related to a family dispute.

Why it matters

The shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena is the latest in a string of gun violence incidents in Rhode Island, coming less than two months after a deadly attack at Brown University. The violence at a youth sporting event has shaken the local community and raised concerns about public safety.

The details

According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, the shooting occurred around 2:25 pm during a youth hockey game. Footage shows players diving onto the ice and fans rushing toward the exits as loud popping sounds can be heard. Investigators believe the shooting was a targeted attack, possibly related to a family dispute. The suspected gunman, who has not been identified, was seated alone in the stands before opening fire on spectators nearby. A spectator was able to grab one of the shooter's weapons, but the gunman fired again with another firearm before being killed.

  • The shooting occurred around 2:25 pm on Monday, February 17, 2026 during a youth hockey game.
  • The incident comes less than two months after a separate gun attack at Brown University in December 2025 that left two students and one professor dead.

The players

Tina Goncalves

Pawtucket Police Chief, who provided details about the shooting investigation.

Branden Mello

Sports editor of The Woonsocket Call and Pawtucket Times, who was an eyewitness to the shooting.

Don Grebien

Pawtucket Mayor, who commented on the tragic incident involving high school students.

Claudio Neves Valente

The suspected gunman in the separate Brown University shooting incident in December 2025, who died by suicide.

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What they’re saying

“Video from Lynch Arena in Pawtucket when the shooting occurred. You cannot see anything - the noise is unmistakeable - but the reaction and chaos that follows the follows tells the story.”

— Eric Reub, Rhode Island high school sports writer

“Fortunately, the two incidents are not related, but it is very tragic. These are high school kids. They were playing a game with fans watching, and it turned into this.”

— Don Grebien, Pawtucket Mayor

What’s next

Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses and review video footage to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine a motive for the shooting. The judge will also decide whether to grant bail for the suspected gunman, if he survives.

The takeaway

The shooting at the Pawtucket hockey arena is the latest in a troubling pattern of gun violence in Rhode Island, raising urgent questions about public safety, especially at community events involving youth. This tragedy underscores the need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of gun crime and protect innocent lives.