A tragic mass shooting at a youth hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, has left three people dead, including the suspect, and three others hospitalized in critical condition, according to officials. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon at Dennis M. Lynch Arena, located north of Providence, during a boys hockey game between two schools.
Details of the Shooting Incident
Shots were reportedly fired from behind the stands, causing panic among attendees. A local father is being hailed as a hero for disarming the shooter, who was said to have a second weapon. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed that the three hospitalized victims are in critical condition, with the situation unfolding rapidly.
Family Dispute Linked to Violence
Sources indicate that the gunman allegedly killed his wife and shot two of his children before turning the gun on himself. A third child was also shot and hospitalized. Chief Goncalves stated that at least one of the deceased was a woman, and the suspect was male, describing the event as an isolated incident stemming from a family dispute. The second victim died at the hospital.
Community and Official Responses
Mayor Don Grebien labeled the shooting as tragic but isolated, while East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva expressed condolences on social media, noting the horrendous nature of the mass shooting. A student present at the rink recalled hearing multiple bangs before realizing they were gunshots, leading to a chaotic scramble for exits.
Pawtucket, a town of approximately 80,000 residents near the Massachusetts border, is reeling from the violence. The incident has sparked discussions on safety at youth sports events, with local authorities urging calm and support for the affected families.
