PAWTUCKET, R.I. — A gunman opened fire during a high school hockey game Monday afternoon, killing two people before turning the weapon on himself, according to police.

Three others were critically injured and rushed to Rhode Island Hospital following the shooting at Dennis M. Lynch Arena, which erupted just before 2:30 p.m. while students were on the ice.

WOW!

A Mass shooting at a Pawtucket, Rhode Island hockey rink was caught on camera pic.twitter.com/kO802gSAnD

— Mass Daily News (@MassDailyNews) February 16, 2026

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said the early investigation suggests this was "a targeted event and it may have been a family dispute" — not a random attack on the school event.

"Our state is grieving again," Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee said in a statement. "As Governor, a parent, and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families, students, and everyone impacted."

The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to assist local and state police, urging the public to avoid the area as the investigation unfolded.

Coventry Public Schools confirmed its boys' hockey team was present at the rink during the incident but all members are safe. The Providence Bruins also issued a statement saying the team's "thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic events."

Police have not confirmed the identities of the victims or clarified the relationship between those involved. Earlier reports from the mayor's office suggesting a girl was among the dead have not been verified by investigators — Chief Goncalves said she did not believe any of the victims were underage, though the investigation remains ongoing.

McKee urged anyone in need of support to call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.