Pawtucket ice rink shooting in Rhode Island leads to man identified as a father shooting and killing his wife, daughter then self. Three others injured during shooting at Dennis M Lynch Arena. No known motive.
A barrage of gunshots at a Rhode Island ice rink during a high school hockey game on Monday left three family members dead, including the shooter father and up to three others injured.
The gun violence played out Monday afternoon at the Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, about 10 minutes outside of Providence.
The unidentified shooter, described only as being male, opened fire during one of the hockey games, just on 2.30 p.m, local time, killing a young girl and another victim. Three others were rushed to the hospital. Their conditions remain unclear.
Pawtucket Ice rink shooting suspect id as dad dressed as woman shooting ex wife & kids
JUST IN 🇺🇸🚨: New video shows the moment sh0ts were fired inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena ice rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, during a high school hockey game, killing a young girl and injuring four others.
— Meme Demon (@MemeDemonMode) February 16, 2026
Dad alleged to have fired at wife, daughter and other children before killing self
Hockey players on the ice were not harmed as the shooting occurred in the stands near spectators.
Police said that the gunman died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after firing a volley of shots. Police are not looking for any other suspects at this time.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves addressing reporters said it appears a family dispute led to the violence. They said they were still gathering information from witnesses. Preliminary investigative findings indicate the suspect allegedly shot his wife and three of his children, killing a young girl, before turning the firearm on himself.
It was not a school day due to President’s Day, a federal holiday. The tournament was played between two interscholastic teams, WPRI reported.
Pawtucket Ice rink shooting suspect social media profile was Republican fan
Pawtucket, RI Ice Rink Shooting:
At least five people were shot at Dennis M. Lynch Arena ice skating rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, during a boys high school hockey game.The suspect/shooter was killed at the scene. Multiple casualties reported, with four in critical… https://t.co/JpNba2Y5QS pic.twitter.com/TXGsLXwcwS
— GeoTechWar (@geotechwar) February 16, 2026
Up to 12 gunshots ringing out during Rhode Island ice hockey match
Two teams made up of students from multiple schools were playing in hockey games at the arena, according to WJAR.
The hockey game was between a co-op team made up of Coventry and Johnston kids, playing against another co-op team from St. Raphael, PCD, North Providence, and North Smithfield schools. The tournament started at 2pm.
A livestream of the game circulating on social media showed what appeared to be 12 gunshots ringing out as hockey players and spectators rushed to safety. Some were seen running while others ducked down.
No known motive
Images shared on social media showed parents holding on to their children as they evacuated to the parking lot. Footage also showed parents with their hands on their heads and children – some still wearing their hockey uniforms – crying.
Authorities have yet to release the identity of the gunman or the deceased individuals along with the injured parties. Officials had yet to say what may have led to the deadly hockey game encounter.
The arena, home to Johnson & Wales University Wildcats hockey, hosts youth and high school events year-round.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
