A livestream set up to let family and friends watch a high school hockey team’s senior tournament took a tragic turn when a gunman opened fire during the game, forcing players and fans to flee in panic.
It is believed that the gunman, who appears to have targeted family members, took his own life, though this has not yet been confirmed. The suspect was found dead in the arena alongside one of his victims.
Reports indicate that approximately 11 gunshots were heard as the game intensified.
Amid the chaos, students and spectators dropped to the ground, while players on the ice were left with nowhere to hide. Some players managed to jump out of the rink and barricade themselves in the locker room, appearing to escape unharmed.
Meanwhile, fans rushed towards the exits in desperation. Players trapped in the box quickly fled, some even removing their skates to move faster. Videos depicted players leaping over the rink’s fence to join their teammates in safety.
Screams filled the arena as adults nearby shouted hurried instructions. A few individuals stayed in the stands near the Blackstone Valley School bench during the turmoil.
Branden Melo, a local sports editor observing the game, noted that the shooter had been seated in the last row of the stands close to the benches before moving to the front row to open fire on those in the “second or third row,” according to police reports.
Melo mentioned that another father at the game tried to disarm the shooter, only for him to fire again because he had a second gun.
Students from several local high schools, including Coventry, Johnston, North Providence, North Smithfield, St. Raphael Academy, and Providence Country Day School, were present at the event. School authorities confirmed that all students were safe and secure.
