Woman Says 'My Father Was the Shooter' After Rhode Island Shooting

A woman has claimed that her father was responsible for the fatal shooting that erupted during a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, adding a new and deeply personal dimension to an incident that shocked families gathered for a holiday match-up.

Authorities say three people died and three others were injured when gunfire broke out inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena on Monday afternoon. The suspected shooter was among the dead, and police believe his fatal wound was self-inflicted.

As the investigation continues, officials have described the violence as a targeted, family-related dispute.

The woman, who did not provide her name, made the claim while leaving the Pawtucket Police Department with a man and a child. Speaking briefly to reporters, she said, 'My father was the shooter,' and added that he had long struggled with mental health issues.

Family Claim Emerges After Arena Shooting

The shooting occurred shortly before 3:00 p.m. during a Presidents' Day high school hockey game involving teams from multiple schools across the Blackstone Valley. According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, officers responded to reports of an active shooter around 2:30 p.m. and discovered two casualties at the scene, including the suspected gunman.

A third victim later died at a hospital, bringing the death toll to three. Police said three additional victims remain hospitalised. Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims as they continue to notify relatives.

Goncalves said early evidence suggests the attack was targeted. 'It appears that this was a targeted event, that it may be a family dispute,' she told reporters, adding that investigators were still determining the exact relationships involved.

The woman who identified the shooter as her father told NewsCenter 5 that he was 'very sick' and had dealt with mental health problems for some time. She said she did not know who the victims were and was heading to the hospital.

Players And Families Evacuated From Arena

Video from inside the arena captured the moment the violence erupted, with loud bursts heard before players ducked on the benches and spectators rushed for exits. The footage does not show the shooting itself.

Hockey players and their families were later transported by bus to the Pawtucket Police Department as the investigation unfolded. Some players were still wearing their uniforms, while parents carried flowers intended for a senior-night ceremony.

School officials said all students from the Coventry Boys Hockey team who attended the game were accounted for and safe. Providence Country Day School also confirmed that its students, parents and staff present at the arena were unharmed.

The FBI's Boston division said it was prepared to assist local authorities with resources if requested. Officials said there was no immediate threat to the public but advised people to avoid the area.

Political Leaders React To Tragedy

State and federal leaders quickly issued statements expressing shock and sympathy. Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee wrote that he was 'praying for Pawtucket and everyone involved,' while Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos said she was 'horrified' by the shooting.

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed said, 'Children and families should be safe at a youth sporting event, not subject to gun violence.' Providence Mayor Brett Smiley called the incident devastating, noting it occurred in a space meant for families and young athletes.

The tragedy comes just over two months after a December 2025 mass shooting at Brown University that killed two students and injured nine others, underscoring ongoing concerns about gun violence across the state.

Police said they are continuing to interview witnesses and review evidence as they work to determine the exact sequence of events and relationships involved.