A tragic shooting unfolded on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Dennis M. Lumch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, during a high school hockey game between Coventry/Johnston and Blackstone Valley Co-op. A gunman fired 14 shots—13 in the first 6 seconds, with the 14th 11 seconds later—leading to two fatalities and three people in critical condition. All players on the ice escaped unharmed after skating off quickly.
Victims and Shooter
- Fatalities: One victim died at the scene; the second succumbed at Rhode Island Hospital.
- Injured: Three others shot, all in critical condition per The Providence Journal.
- Shooter: Found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Identity not released. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves described it as a likely targeted family dispute, without confirming victim-shooter relations.
Players behind the glass and spectators ducked for cover amid screams, per footage shared on X.
Response and Heroism
Law enforcement arrived to find the shooter and one victim dead. Sen. Jack Reed praised responders and a “good Samaritan” who confronted the shooter. Local reporter Branden Mello noted witnesses saw a father wrestle a gun from the shooter, though the suspect had a second weapon.
This appears isolated, with no ongoing threat reported. For real-time updates, check local sources like NBC 10 or The Providence Journal. Thoughts with the Pawtucket community.
