Police and family members stand outside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, an indoor ice skating rink, after a shooting in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, US, on February 16, 2026. | Photo credit: Reuters
Authorities say three people, including the suspect, were killed in a shooting at a Rhode Island hockey rink on Monday (February 16, 2026) afternoon.
Pawtucket Chief Tina Goncalves told reporters that three other victims were in critical condition at the hospital. Officials said that it is believed that the shooting was targeted due to a family dispute.
Outside the arena, tearful families and high school hockey players still in uniform could be seen hugging each other before boarding a bus to leave the area. Roads around the arena were closed as a heavy police presence and helicopters flew overhead.
Also Read: List of Deadly Shootings on College Campuses in the US
Messages seeking comment were left for Pawtucket police and a spokesman for the city’s mayor. An email message left to a representative for the local hospital was also not immediately returned.
Pawtucket is located north of Providence and across the Massachusetts state line. A town of just under 80,000 people, Pawtucket was until recently home to Hasbro’s headquarters, and Mr. Potato Head license plates are proudly displayed on vehicles around town.
Published – February 17, 2026 04:14 am IST
