Two people killed in shooting at Rhode Island hockey game
At least two people were killed in a shooting at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
At least two people were killed and three others were injured in a shooting at an ice rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on February 16, according to local police.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Gonsalves said the shooting occurred during a high school hockey game. She said the shootings appeared to be targeted and related to a family dispute. The police officer said the gunman appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“I can’t imagine it,” Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien said after the attack. “This is high school…it must be traumatic.”
The shooting occurred at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, about eight miles from the state capital, Providence.
Gonsalves said further details about the victims and the shooter, including the ages of those involved, would be released at a later date. The injured victim was taken to an area hospital in critical condition, the chief said.
North Providence Public Schools Superintendent Joseph Soho said the students were at the game and the shooting also involved spectators in the arena.
Video from the scene obtained by the Providence Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, shows at least a dozen gunshots heard and people crouched down, seeking shelter and running toward the exits.
Hockey players are safe, school says
The shooting occurred during a boys hockey game between Coventry Johnston and Blackstone Valley Co-op, which included players from several area schools, including St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day, North Providence and North Smithfield, the Providence Journal reported.
“All students who participated in the game are safe,” Soho said in a message to families. He also said the shooting occurred around the start of the first period.
“While all other information at this time is preliminary and has not been officially confirmed, it is important to let everyone know that our students and other area students who participate in the co-op hockey team are safe,” he wrote.
Witness describes shooting: ‘Pure chaos’
Chip DeLorenzo told the Providence Journal that he was at the rink when the gunman opened fire during the game.
DeLorenzo said he was taking photos for the Blackstone Valley Co-op and police arrived at the scene within minutes. He was near the emergency exit but quickly exited the building.
“It was total chaos,” DeLorenzo said. “People running behind me, kids with skates on. They were playing hockey and they came off the ice with their skates and equipment on and ran through the parking lot.”
“I was here in the corner of the rink taking pictures,” DeLorenzo said. “Suddenly, typically, you hear multiple loud firecrackers going off. I didn’t count, but maybe seven or eight, maybe more. People obviously started screaming the same way and panicking. And as soon as I heard it and saw the reaction, I realized it wasn’t a firecracker.”
Rhode Island governor, FBI respond
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said he was monitoring the shooting and was in contact with law enforcement and local authorities.
“I’m praying for Pawtucket and everyone involved,” McKee told X.
The FBI office in Boston said it is aware of the shooting and stands ready to assist police. The agency said there was no active threat. Officials advised the public to avoid the area.
USA TODAY has reached out to local and state police for additional information.
Contributions: Mark Reynolds and Jacob Rousseau, Providence Journal.
