Pawtucket Arena Shooting Ends in Suspect's Suicide

Authorities confirm shooter dead from self-inflicted gunshot wound in 'targeted' incident

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Authorities have confirmed that the shooter at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket is dead, apparently as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident, which police have described as a 'targeted event,' unfolded at the arena.

Why it matters

The designation of this event as 'targeted' by police suggests a pre-existing relationship or conflict between the shooter and the intended victim(s), which will likely be a central focus of the investigation. This incident may also prompt a review of security protocols at the arena and similar public venues.

The details

The shooting occurred at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket. Law enforcement officials have stated the event was 'targeted,' suggesting the shooting was not random.

  • The shooting occurred on February 17, 2026.

The players

Dennis M. Lynch Arena

The venue where the shooting took place in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

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What’s next

Investigations are likely to focus on determining the specific target of the shooting and the shooter's motives. A possible next step for authorities is to release further details as the investigation progresses.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and security measures at public venues to ensure the safety of attendees, and the importance of thoroughly investigating the motives behind targeted acts of violence.