Two killed, three injured in shooting at Rhode Island high school hockey game

A high school hockey game turned deadly Monday night when a gunman opened fire inside an arena, killing two people and injuring three others.

(NBC)- A high school hockey game turned deadly Monday night when a gunman opened fire inside an arena, killing two people and injuring three others, according to police.

Authorities say the shooting happened during a game at Dennis M. Lynch Arena, about five miles north of Providence. Players were on the ice and families were in the stands when gunfire erupted, sending people scrambling for safety.

Police say two people were killed and three others were injured. Investigators believe the suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  Video from the scene showed a heavy police presence surrounding the arena, with the parking lot taped off. Families and players gathered nearby, some still wearing hockey jerseys and carrying sticks and skates.

The game had been part of a senior night celebration, making the violence even more shocking for the community. The mayor described the shooting as an isolated incident.

The tragedy comes just two months after a deadly shooting at Brown University in nearby Providence that left two students dead and nine others injured — events that have left the broader community on edge.

“It’s so devastating, you know, to hear about something so similar that happened two months ago over at Brown and now, some place that I pass by every day,” said 18-year-old Kevin Hernandez, who lives near the arena.

The Providence Bruins released a statement offering condolences, saying their thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic events at the high school hockey game.

Authorities have not released the identities of the victims. The investigation remains active as officials work to determine a motive and piece together the timeline of events.