3 dead, including suspect, after multiple people shot inside ice arena in Rhode Island

PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Three people are dead, including a suspected shooter, after multiple people were shot at an ice arena in Rhode Island on Monday afternoon, the police chief confirmed Monday afternoon.

The shooting, which appears to have been a family dispute, happened inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena on Andrew D. Ferland Way in Pawtucket during a high school hockey game, Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves told reporters.

No names of the victims were immediately released pending notification of next of kin.

The arena was quickly evacuated when gunshots broke out around 2:30 p.m., Goncalves said. There was one shooter, who was later found dead at the arena.

“We’re just at the initial stages of the investigation. We’re trying to uncover everything that happened,” Goncalves said.

Three victims have been taken to the hospital and remain in serious condition, Goncalves said.

ATF agents are responding to the shooting to assist state and local authorities, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives - Boston Field Division said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“The public should avoid the area and follow the directions of Pawtucket police,” ATF said in its statement.

Providence Police said they are monitoring the situation in Pawtucket.

“We currently have officers on scene providing assistance,” Providence Police said in a post on X.

A 2 p.m. hockey game between Coventry and Blackstone Valley Schools was reportedly happening at the time.

The arena, a one-sheet indoor ice skating rink that is open year-round, is home to the Johnson & Wales University Wildcats. It’s located a short distance from Interstate 95.

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The Providence Bruins issued a statement following the shooting.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic events at the High School Hockey game at Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket today,” the Providence Bruins said. “While we wait for more details, we share our support with the community and commend the first responders for all their efforts.”

Gov. Dan McKee said state leaders are “actively monitoring the shooting at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.”

“I just spoke with Mayor Grebien as well as @RIStatePolice who are working with local law enforcement,“ McKee said in a statement. ”I am praying for Pawtucket and everyone involved."

Boston 25 News has crews at the scene.

This is a developing stoone-sheety. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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