Shooting Reported at High School Hockey Game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island

ATF assisting local police after incident at Dennis M. Lynch Arena

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The ATF has said it will assist state and local law enforcement in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, after reports of a shooting during a high school boys' hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena on Monday. Details on any injuries or fatalities are still unclear at this time.

Why it matters

School shootings and gun violence continue to be a major public safety concern, especially at events involving children and teenagers. This incident in Pawtucket raises questions about security measures at high school sporting events and the broader issue of gun violence in the United States.

The details

According to reports, the shooting occurred during a high school boys' hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The ATF has said it will assist state and local police in responding to the incident, but details on any injuries or fatalities have not yet been confirmed.

  • The shooting occurred on Monday, February 16, 2026 during a high school boys' hockey game.

The players

ATF

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, a federal law enforcement agency that investigates firearms-related crimes.

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What’s next

Authorities will continue investigating the incident and provide updates on any injuries, arrests, or other developments.

The takeaway

This shooting at a high school sporting event is a tragic reminder of the ongoing gun violence crisis in the United States and the need for comprehensive solutions to improve public safety, especially for young people.