A high school hockey tournament in Rhode Island turned into a scene of unimaginable tragedy Monday afternoon after a gunman opened fire inside Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.

Authorities confirmed that two people were killed before the shooter took his own life, while three others were transported to local hospitals in critical condition after being struck by gunfire.

The incident unfolded roughly 10 minutes outside of Providence and has since sent shockwaves through the New England sports community.

Police indicated that the violence stemmed from what they described as a family dispute, and early reports characterized the attack as targeted.

Witnesses described chaos erupting inside the rink as shots rang out during what was supposed to be a celebration of youth hockey.

Video circulating on social media captured the terrifying moment players on the ice and along the benches scrambled for safety.

In the footage, athletes can be seen ducking down as multiple gunshots echoed through the arena, with some initially mistaking the sound for balloons popping.

One player, Olin Lawrence, later recalled that confusion quickly turned into fear as the sounds continued.

“I thought it was balloons at first — it was like ‘bop, bop,’” Lawrence said. “But it kept going, and it was actually gunshots.”

Lawrence explained that he and his teammates sprinted to the locker room and barricaded themselves inside, pressing against the door in an effort to remain safe.

Spectators were heard screaming and crying as roughly a dozen shots were reportedly fired within the arena.

According to reports from Fox News, the gunman fatally shot his wife and opened fire on his children before turning the weapon on himself.

One child was pronounced dead at a local hospital, while another child and two additional victims remain hospitalized in critical condition.

In the aftermath of the shooting, an unidentified woman exiting the Pawtucket Police Department told WCVB that the shooter was her father.

“He shot my family, and he’s dead now,” she said, adding that he struggled with mental health issues.

The tragedy quickly prompted responses from major professional sports organizations across the region.

The New England Patriots issued a statement Monday evening expressing heartbreak over the violence.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic shooting that occurred today in Pawtucket, Rhode Island,” the team said. “Our hearts are with the students, coaches, fans, and all those affected by this act of violence.”

The Boston Bruins also released a statement condemning what they described as a senseless act.

“We are deeply saddened that a place meant for celebrating hockey and bringing people together was touched by this violence,” the Bruins said, extending sympathies to the Pawtucket community.

The Boston Red Sox echoed those sentiments, calling the events heartbreaking and tragic.

“Our hearts are with the families and loved ones affected by the senseless violence at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena today, and with all who were present at what should have been a joyful moment in youth sport,” the Red Sox stated.

The arena, typically filled with the sounds of skates carving into ice and cheers from proud families, instead became a scene of flashing police lights and stunned silence.

Parents were seen embracing their children outside the building as law enforcement secured the area.

Images from the scene showed players crouched low along the boards, a stark contrast to the spirited competition that had been underway just moments earlier.

Officials have not released further details regarding the identities of the victims pending notification of next of kin.

Investigators continue to piece together the timeline of events, though authorities reiterated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The tragedy has reignited conversations about safety at youth sporting events, places traditionally viewed as sanctuaries for families and communities.

For many in attendance, what began as a routine tournament afternoon transformed into a life altering moment of fear and loss.

As Pawtucket begins the difficult process of healing, sports teams and community leaders across New England have pledged support to those impacted.

The rink that once symbolized camaraderie and competition now stands as a solemn reminder of how quickly joy can be shattered.

And in a region where sports often unite generations, Monday’s violence has left an enduring mark that will not soon fade.