PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Three people are dead — two victims (including a young girl) and the gunman, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound — and three others remain critically injured after a targeted shooting Monday afternoon at Dennis M. Lynch Arena during a high school boys’ hockey game.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed the incident stemmed from a family dispute, was not random, and involved no additional suspects. The game was a senior night matchup with players from multiple schools, including Coventry, East Providence, Saint Raphael Academy, and Providence Country Day.
Timeline (all times EST, Feb. 16, 2026)
- Before/around 2:30 p.m.: Shooting occurs inside the arena during the game.
- Approx. 2:30 p.m.: Incident reported; police respond and secure the scene.
- 3:09 p.m.: Chief Goncalves initial update — three dead including shooter, three critical.
- 3:54–3:55 p.m.: Gov. Dan McKee and school officials (Coventry, Providence Country Day) confirm all students accounted for and safe.
- Approx. 4:28–4:51 p.m.: Press conference — Chief Goncalves details targeted family dispute, confirms casualties, ATF assistance on scene.
Early reports varied on casualty counts as details emerged. FBI monitored but reported no ongoing public threat.
This is a developing story.
