Rhode Island Shooting Horror: Suspect Used Multiple Guns and Died — Who Was His True Target?

A high school hockey tournament in Pawtucket, Rhode Island ended in tragedy on Saturday afternoon when a gunman opened fire inside Lynch Arena, firing multiple weapons and sending players and spectators scrambling for cover. The incident left two dead and three others injured, according to police. Authorities said the suspect, who appeared to be targeting members of his own family, was found dead inside the arena near one of the fatal victims.

The shooting occurred around 2:30 p.m. during a senior tournament match that was being livestreamed for family members unable to attend. Footage captured the chaos as players and spectators scrambled for safety. The FBI and local authorities are investigating the circumstances, describing the incident as a potential family dispute.

Chaos Captured on Livestream

Eyewitnesses said approximately 11 gunshots rang out while the game was in progress, and the New York Post reported that a livestream originally intended to share the match with loved ones instead captured the terrifying moment the shooting began.

Students on the ice had no cover and rushed off the rink, reportedly barricading themselves in the locker room. Spectators in the stands dove to the ground or made a frantic dash for the exits. Some attendees near the Blackstone Valley Schools bench remained in the stands before finding safety.

Branden Mello, a local sports editor who attended the game, said the suspect initially sat in the last row of the stands near the Blackstone Valley bench before moving closer to the front. According to Mello, the suspect fired at people in the second or third row. He added that another father wrestled one gun from the shooter, but the suspect still had a second weapon and continued firing.

Schools Confirm Student Safety

Students from Coventry, Johnston, North Providence, North Smithfield, St Raphael Academy, and Providence Country Day School were present at the arena. Authorities confirmed that all students from these schools were safe and accounted for following the shooting. Coventry and Johnston public school officials, along with St Raphael Academy, issued statements reassuring parents that their students were unharmed.

The arena has been a regular host for regional high school hockey tournaments, with livestreams allowing families to watch matches remotely. The event on Saturday drew crowds from multiple districts, intensifying the impact of the incident.

Investigation Underway

Police continue to investigate the suspect's motive and the details surrounding the shooting. Officials have described the case as a potential family dispute but have not disclosed further details about the victims' relationships. Authorities are reviewing security procedures at the arena and the circumstances that allowed the suspect to bring multiple weapons into the event.

The suspect's identity has not been released pending next of kin notifications. Law enforcement has also confirmed that all injured victims have received medical treatment and are in stable condition.

Witness Accounts Highlight Fear and Bravery

Videos and reports from the scene show attendees screaming and giving directions to one another as they sought safety. Players and spectators displayed quick thinking to survive, with some ditching hockey skates to escape and vaulting over barriers to reach secure areas. The actions of one father who wrestled a gun from the suspect have been widely noted as an example of courage in a chaotic situation.

Authorities are asking anyone with additional information or footage from the livestream to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.