On February 16, 2026, a tragic shooting occurred at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where a youth hockey game was taking place. Three individuals, including the suspected shooter, were killed in what authorities are investigating as a targeted attack stemming from a family dispute. The shooting began at approximately 2:30 PM local time, leading to chaos and panic among the attendees of the event.

Law enforcement officials have confirmed that two victims were adults, one of whom was found dead at the arena, while the other later succumbed to their injuries at a nearby hospital. Tragically, the shooting suspect also died, likely from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as stated by Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves. In addition to the fatalities, three other individuals sustained serious gunshot injuries and remain in critical condition in a local hospital, highlighting the violent and unpredictable nature of the incident.

The police have not released further details regarding the identities of the victims or the shooter, as they continue their investigation and work to notify affected families. This incident marks a devastating event for the local community, raising concerns about safety during public gatherings and the ongoing issues related to gun violence in the United States. Authorities are expected to hold briefings in the coming days to provide updates on the investigation and support for the families affected by this tragedy.