Police Kill Gunman After Mass Shooting at Rhode Island High School Hockey Game
A suspected gunman was killed by police after opening fire during a high school ice hockey match in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on Monday afternoon, creating a scene of panic and tragedy that left one victim dead and multiple others hospitalized.
Chaos at Dennis M. Lynch Arena
The shooting erupted at Dennis M. Lynch Arena, brutally interrupting a hockey game between rival high schools Coventry and Blackstone Valley. According to initial reports, gunshots came from the stands behind the Blackstone Valley bench, sending panicked families fleeing for safety.
Branden Mello, a local sports editor who witnessed the incident, described harrowing scenes as police and emergency medical teams rushed to the arena. His social media post captured the immediate aftermath, showing emergency responders on the scene.
Heroic Attempt and Tragic Outcome
One witness reported that a father attempted to wrestle the gun from the shooter's hands, but the suspect reportedly had a second weapon. Police responded to the mass shooting and returned fire, killing the suspect according to initial reports.
Tragically, one victim was declared dead at the scene in the shopping district area. Four additional victims were transported to hospitals for treatment, though their conditions remain unknown.
Community Response and Shelter Efforts
The shooting sent shockwaves through the local community, with terrified fans charging into a nearby Walgreens pharmacy seeking shelter. An employee at the store reported calling 911 and hiding frightened families inside the business.
Coventry Public Schools Superintendent confirmed "a serious reported incident at Lynch Arena" where the boys hockey team was playing, noting that students had been secured in multiple locations for safety.
Official Statements and Investigation
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee posted on social media that he was actively monitoring the situation and had spoken with Pawtucket Mayor Grebien as well as Rhode Island State Police, who are working with local law enforcement on the investigation.
"I am praying for Pawtucket and everyone involved," Governor McKee stated, reflecting the community's shock and grief over the violent incident that turned a high school sporting event into a tragedy.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the shooter's motives and complete details of the response. The incident marks another devastating episode of gun violence at a school sporting event, raising questions about security measures at public venues.
