Children reportedly ran into a pharmacy panicking amid the alleged shooting.

20:03, Mon, Feb 16, 2026 Updated: 21:47, Mon, Feb 16, 2026

A young girl was killed and four four people were rushed to hospital after a shooting at an ice skating rink, an official said. Police officers and paramedics rushed to the Dennis M Lynch Arena on Monday, February 16, following an incident where shots were fired. 

A boys' hockey game was reportedly underway at the indoor arena, located in Andrew D Ferland Way in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, when the incident happened. The Boston Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) wrote on X: "ATF agents are responding to a reported shooting in Pawtucket, RI, to assist state and local authorities.

Police at the scene

Multiple people were reportedly shot (Image: WJAR/CNN)

Dennis Lynch Arena

(file pic) The alleged incident happened at Dennis Lynch Arena (Image: JWU Athletics)

"The public should avoid the area and follow the directions of Pawtucket police."

FBI Boston said it also responded to the incident and declared "no imminent threat to public safety". However, it urged people to avoid the area.

Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee confirmed the incident with a message on X, reading: "We are actively monitoring the shooting at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.

"I just spoke with Mayor Grebien as well as Rhode Island State Police, who are working with local law enforcement. I am praying for Pawtucket and everyone involved." 

While officials haven't released any information on casualties, local news outlet WPRI reported five people were allegedly shot. The suspect, the news outlet added, is also believed to have died. 

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A hockey game between Coventry and Blackstone Valley Schools was scheduled to be on at the time of the shooting.   

Coventry's superintendent sent an email to the school community, acknowledging the team was playing at the time of the incident.

It read: "We are aware of a serious reported incident at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, where our Boys Hockey team was playing. Information is still developing, and we are activly working with event staff and local authorites to understand the situation. 

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"We have been informed that students are secured in multiple locations. At this time, we are still working to confirm the status and location of all individuals.

"Our priority is the safety of our students and staff, and we are moving as quickly as possible to gather accurate information."