It is now reported that three people have been killed, including the suspect, and three others were hospitalized after a shooting at a Rhode Island hockey rink.
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A youth hockey game in Rhode Island turned into a crime scene Monday after a domestic dispute erupted in gunfire, leaving three people dead, including the suspected gunman, and three others injured, according to the Associated Press
The shooting happened at the Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket during a matchup between Coventry-Johnston co-op team and Blackstone Valley Schools, which includes St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, and the public school districts of North Providence and North Smithfield, according to WPRI. Families were in the stands when shots rang out.
The gunman was reportedly the father of a North Providence High School senior, and shot five members of the student’s family. The gunman’s wife died at the hockey rink, while a sibling of the student died at the hospital.
A source with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives told Fox News the incident was a domestic violence situation that escalated into a murder-suicide.
Law enforcement quickly flooded the area. Witnesses described people running from the arena. An employee at a nearby Walgreens told local media that patrons rushed into the store in a panic, saying there was an active shooting.
Coventry Public Schools Superintendent Don Cowart confirmed that all students from the Coventry Boys Hockey team were accounted for and safe.
“District officials were notified of the situation while the team was at the arena and immediately began coordinating with event staff and law enforcement. An officer from the Coventry Police Department is on scene and remains with the students,” Cowart said.
The FBI said agents responded to the scene and stood ready to assist. “At this time, there is no imminent threat to public safety and there has been no request for FBI assistance,” the bureau wrote on X. “However, the public should continue to avoid the area. Our prayers are with everyone impacted by this incident.”
FBI Director Kash Patel wrote that FBI Boston “is responding to the shooting this afternoon at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, RI – we will provide state and local law enforcement any and all resources necessary and keep the public updated as we are able. In the meantime please pray for the victims and their families.”
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said he spoke with Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien and Rhode Island State Police as authorities worked the scene.
The Providence Bruins also released a statement expressing support for those affected and thanking first responders.
Investigators have not released the identities of the deceased. The motive beyond the reported domestic dispute is still under investigation.
This is a breaking news story. Refresh for updates.
