“We Thought It Was Just A Fight — Then He Started Shooting”: Student Witness Says Chilling Detail Changes Everything In Rhode Island Hockey Game Tragedy That Left 2 Dead And 3 In Critical Condition — Gunman Later Took His Own Life As Authorities Confirm Victims’ Identities And Reveal Personal Motive Behind Attack — Full Video And Details Below

The shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot, and authorities suspect the incident was a “targeted family dispute”

Two people were fatally shot during a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, R.I., on Monday, Feb. 16.

Two dead including young girl in shooting at ice hockey game after dad  opens fire 'at his own family' and hits wife

On Monday afternoon, a shooter entered the Dennis M. Lumch Arena during a match between Coventry/Johnston and Blackstone Valley Co-op, and fired 13 shots in 6 seconds. The final and 14th shot came 11 seconds later, according to footage posted by an X user.

When the shots were fired, players behind the glass and those attending the game immediately began to scream and duck for cover. The players on the ice did not react immediately, but seconds later skated quickly off the ice to safety.

All of the hockey players were safe and uninjured, according to NBC 10.

Five people were reportedly shot. One victim was found deceased at the ice rink. The second victim was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries. Three others who were injured remain in critical condition, The Providence Journal reported.

The shooter, whose identity has not been released, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Upon authorities’ arrival, the shooter and one victim were found deceased, Pawtucket police chief Tina Goncalves said, per NBC 10.

“It seems like this is a targeted event and it may have been a family dispute,” Goncalves told the outlet.

She did not confirm the victims’ identities or whether they may be related to the suspected shooter.

Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed issued a statement to X, thanking law enforcement and emergency responders for their assistance, “as well as the good Samaritan who confronted and tried to disarm the shooter.”

Local sports reporter Branden Mello posted to X that multiple people witnessed a father grabbing a gun out of the shooter’s hand, but said that the suspect was carrying a second weapon.

Police stand outside the perimeter they created around the Dennis M Lynch Arena where a shooting occurred earlier today in Pawtucket, Rhode Island,
Police stand outside the perimeter they created around the Dennis M Lynch Arena where a shooting occurred earlier today in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on February 16, 2026.Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty
ACCORDING TO PEOPLE

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