The New England Patriots are mourning alongside the Pawtucket, Rhode Island, community after a tragic shooting at a youth hockey game left three people dead, including the suspect. The incident, which unfolded at Dennis M. Lynch Arena, also left three others critically injured, sending shockwaves through a region still reeling from recent violence.
According to authorities, the shooting appears to have stemmed from a family dispute, with Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves describing it as a “targeted event.” The suspect reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Patriots released a heartfelt statement expressing their sorrow and support for those affected.
“The New England Patriots organization is heartbroken by the tragic shooting that occurred today in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Our hearts are with the students, coaches, fans, and all those affected by this act of violence,” the team said.
This wasn’t just another local event-it was a youth hockey game. A place where kids compete, families cheer, and communities come together.
A statement from the New England Patriots. pic.twitter.com/ygbfeKhCoq
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 17, 2026
That sense of normalcy was shattered in an instant. Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien captured the heartbreak when he said, *“These are high school kids.
They were doing an event, they were playing with their families watching, a fun time, and it turned into this.” *
The shooting marked another blow to Rhode Island, coming just two months after a separate mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, where three people were killed and nine others injured. In light of both incidents, the Patriots extended their support not just to Pawtucket, but to the broader Rhode Island community.
“We stand with Brown University and our neighbors in Rhode Island during this difficult time,” the team added.
Before their game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium, the Patriots held a moment of silence to honor the victims. It was a quiet, powerful gesture-football taking a backseat to grief, unity, and remembrance.
In moments like this, sports often serve as a mirror to the world around us. And while the Patriots are known for their grit on the field, their response off it reflects a franchise rooted in compassion and community.