On February 16, local police said that a hockey match was interrupted by gunshots inside a crowded ice rink in Rhode Island (USA), killing at least 2 people and injuring 3 others.
The gunman is believed to have aimed on his own family members, according to information from 2 law enforcement officials informed about the incident.
According to a video from the youth sports streaming service LiveBarn, the shooting incident appeared to have occurred behind 1 of the 2 benches of the team while the match was taking place. In the video, players of both teams tried to take shelter when at least a dozen shots were fired, players and coaches rushed towards the gates leading out of the bench area.
According to local media, some middle school athletes jumped off the ice rink amidst gunfire, running towards the door opposite leading to the dressing room.
Police Chief Pawtucket Tina Goncalves said at a press conference that the suspect is believed to have died from self-immulation after shooting, affirming that this was a premeditated attack and may be related to a family dispute.
Ms. Goncalves added that police are reconstructing the timeline of events before they received the report and arrived at the scene at 2:30 pm on February 16 (local time), but noted that authorities have not yet clearly identified the relationship between the gunman and the victims.
Meanwhile, 3 people injured by bullets are being treated at Rhode Island Hospital. These victims were diagnosed in critical condition.
Such violence, especially in places for families and teenagers, is truly hurtful," Mayor Providence Brett Smiley wrote on X.
According to the Gun Violence Archive organization, this is the 41st mass shooting in the US in the first 47 days of the year.
