At least three people have died, and three more are critically injured after a mass shooting at an indoor ice rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, during a high school hockey game. The police confirmed that one of the deceased is believed to be the shooter.
The Pawtucket police chief, Tina Goncalves, stated at a news conference that one victim died at the arena, while another passed away later at a hospital. It’s reported that the shooter likely died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities suspect the attack may be linked to a “family dispute,” but details remain sparse. Names of the victims have not been released.
An eyewitness report from the Providence Journal noted that a livestream of the event captured the sound of about 13 shots fired in quick succession. Video footage shows players and spectators fleeing in panic. Sportswriter Eric Rueb shared a video on social media, highlighting the chaos that followed the shots, saying, “You cannot see anything – the noise is unmistakable.”
This tragic incident occurred during a boys’ hockey game involving students from several local schools, raising concerns about safety at youth sporting events.
Gun violence is not a new issue in America. A report from the Gun Violence Archive revealed that there were over 600 mass shootings in the U.S. in 2022 alone, a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis. Experts argue that more needs to be done to prevent such events, suggesting stricter gun control and better mental health resources.
As communities grapple with the implications of this tragedy, discussions around safety measures in schools and public spaces are becoming increasingly urgent.
For further insights into the impact of gun violence, you can refer to the Gun Violence Archive.
