Tragedy Strikes Pawtucket: Community in Mourning After Shooting

On the evening of February 16, 2026, the Pawtucket community faced an unspeakable tragedy at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena during a high school hockey game. A supposed celebration for Senior Night turned into a scene of chaos and heartbreak when gunfire erupted, resulting in a deadly shooting.

Mayor’s Heartfelt Statement

Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien addressed the community the following evening, describing the incident as "a terrible tragedy." He stated that what should have been a joyful gathering of families, supporters, and students celebrating their accomplishments was instead overshadowed by fear and violence. "Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning," Grebien remarked, reassuring residents that local law enforcement and the attorney general’s office are diligently investigating the case.

A Mother’s Desperate Search

Melissa Dunn, mother of a sophomore goalie on one of the teams, expressed the panic felt by many parents present at the event. As shots rang out, she immediately ran back into the arena, desperately searching for her son. "You don’t know what’s going on at first. You just hear the loud noises," she recounted, recalling the moment she instinctively screamed for her son to get down. Terrified, she witnessed first responders performing CPR in the stands, detailing the horror of that moment—a stark contrast to the anticipated joyful celebration.

Federal Support in the Investigation

The severity of the situation prompted federal authorities to step in. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) responded to the scene, with the FBI assuring the community that there was no ongoing threat to public safety at that time. Their statement emphasized the importance of avoiding the area while investigations were underway, reaffirming their support for the victims and their families.

Horrifying Eyewitness Accounts

High school hockey player Olin Lawrence, who was on the ice during the shooting, described a chilling encounter. "It was a lot of shots," he said, detailing how he and his teammates rushed to the locker room for safety. They pressed against the door, overwhelmed with fear. His urgent recollection of the event underscores the gravity of the situation, marking it as a traumatic experience forever etched in their memories.

Community Resilience Amidst Grief

As the investigation unfolded, local representatives and school officials provided updates to ease the concerns of the community. State Rep. Cherie Cruz confirmed that various schools, including players from Coventry and East Providence, were present that evening. Fortunately, all student athletes from Coventry Public Schools and Providence Country Day were accounted for and safe, providing some solace amid the grief.

Details of the Incident

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves shared the grim details of the shooting, reporting that two adults had lost their lives, while three others were critically injured. Preliminary investigations suggested it may have been a targeted incident, possibly stemming from a family dispute, with the suspected shooter also confirmed dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Statements from Local Schools

Educational leaders swiftly communicated with their communities. Kevin Folan, head of Providence Country Day, expressed shock and sadness while confirming the safety of their students and staff. Similarly, Coventry Superintendent Don Cowart reassured parents that all their students were safe and accounted for, emphasizing the presence of police officers on the scene to monitor the situation.

A Call for Unity and Support

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed his condolences and solidarity with the Pawtucket community via a social media post. He reaffirmed that state police were collaborating with local law enforcement to address the crisis, sending prayers for all involved in this devastating incident.

This tragic turn of events serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of safety within our communities, particularly in spaces meant for celebration and camaraderie. As Pawtucket faces the days ahead, the strength and resilience of its residents will be pivotal in healing from such profound loss.