Rhode Island ice hockey arena shooting suspect ‘was dad who shot wife and three kids’

A father reportedly shot his wife and three children in the stands of a high school hockey tournament in Rhode Island, leaving two dead, according to reports

A father reportedly opened fire on his wife and three children during a high school hockey tournament, resulting in the death of two people.

The incident, which took place in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, claimed the lives of two individuals, including a young girl. Investigators initially suggested it was a targeted shooting “that may be a family dispute.” The NY Post has since reported that the shooter was the father of the family.

Three other victims are currently in critical condition at a local hospital after the gunfire caused pandemonium at Lynch Arena around 2.30pm. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed that the suspect was also found dead at the scene, apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The arena was hosting matches for several local schools when the horrifying event unfolded. A livestream of the hockey match captured the chilling moment spectators and players hit the deck and sought cover as 11 gunshots echoed through the venue, reports the Mirror.

Disturbing footage shared online shows players scrambling out of the penalty box, discarding their skates, with others vaulting over the rink’s barrier and sprinting towards the changing rooms.

A livestream of the hockey match recorded the terrifying moment spectators and players dropped to the floor as approximately 11 gunshots reverberated around the arena.

It’s been alleged that the father shot his wife and three children before turning the weapon on himself. One spectator has been hailed a hero for disarming the alleged attacker, although witnesses claim he had another firearm.

The police force have not confirmed the victims’ relationship to the suspected gunman.

One victim, thought to be a young girl, was found dead inside the arena with the shooter. Another person died at the hospital, and the three remaining victims are all in critical condition, Goncalves said.

Mayor Don Grebien called the shooting “tragic” but “an isolated incident.”

The mayor’s office have said that authorities are not searching for any additional suspects.

A worker at a nearby Walgreens chemist close to the arena told journalists that people rushed into the shop in a state of panic, claiming someone had started shooting, according to Rhode Island local news outlet WPRI 12.

The member of staff reported that they were instructed to shut up shop and clear the premises. They rang 999 and the people took shelter inside the store, local news reports.

Representatives from Coventry Public Schools and Providence Country Day have confirmed all their student athletes have been accounted for.

St. Raphael Academy told WJAR that they “have been told none of our [school] family was injured” in the shooting.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee said in a post on X: “We are actively monitoring the shooting at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket. I just spoke with Mayor Grebien as well as @RIStatePolice who are working with local law enforcement. I am praying for Pawtucket and everyone involved.”

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