Shooting Erupts at Youth Hockey Game in Rhode Island

Three people, including the gunman, were killed in the attack, with three more hospitalized in critical condition.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 1:39pm

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A shooting incident occurred during a youth hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, resulting in the deaths of three people, including the suspected gunman. According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, the shooting appears to have been a targeted incident potentially connected to a family dispute. Three additional victims remain hospitalized in critical condition, and authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to determine the exact sequence of events.

Why it matters

This tragic incident marks the second mass shooting in Rhode Island in less than two months, raising concerns about public safety and the prevalence of gun violence, even in community settings like youth sporting events. The shooting has left the local community shaken and searching for answers.

The details

The shooting occurred at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, just outside Providence. Authorities have not released the identities of the victims or the suspected gunman, who died from what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Melissa Dunn, a parent attending her son's hockey game, described the chaos as people initially thought the loud noises were not gunfire, and families huddled and tried to protect their children before realizing the gravity of the situation.

  • The shooting took place on February 17, 2026, during a youth hockey game.
  • The incident occurred less than two months after another deadly shooting in Rhode Island, in which a gunman killed two students and wounded nine others before traveling to Massachusetts and fatally shooting a professor.

The players

Tina Goncalves

Pawtucket Police Chief, who confirmed the details of the shooting and described it as a targeted incident potentially connected to a family dispute.

Melissa Dunn

A parent who was attending her son's hockey game at the time of the shooting, and described the chaos and confusion as people initially thought the loud noises were not gunfire.

Don Grebien

The Mayor of Pawtucket, who described both the recent shootings in Rhode Island as heartbreaking.

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What’s next

Authorities are continuing to investigate the shooting, reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to determine the exact sequence of events and the motive behind the attack.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need to address gun violence and ensure the safety of community spaces, even in the context of youth sporting events. The shooting has left the local community in Pawtucket shaken and searching for answers, highlighting the broader societal challenges in preventing such senseless acts of violence.