‘Heartbroken’ sports teams from across New England have spoken out after a gunman murdered two people before shooting himself at a high school hockey tournament in Rhode Island.

Chaos unfolded on Monday afternoon at Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, about 10 minutes outside of Providence, following what police said was a ‘family dispute.’ 

Three other people were rushed to the hospital in critical condition after the reportedly ‘targeted’ attack. They were all struck by gunfire. 

On Monday evening, the NFL’s New England Patriots said they were ‘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 Boston Bruins and Red Sox also released statements, with both teams bemoaning the ‘senseless’ tragedy.

The scene outside of Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, after a gunman opened fire during a high school hockey tournament 

Hockey players were seen ducking down on the sidelines after a gunman opened fire

‘The Boston Bruins are heartbroken by the senseless act of violence that took place this afternoon at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket,’ a statement read.

‘We are deeply saddened that a place meant for celebrating hockey and bringing people together was touched by this violence.

‘We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all those impacted by this tragedy and are keeping everyone in the Pawtucket community in our thoughts.’

The Red Sox, meanwhile, said: ‘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.

‘We mourn the lives lost and are keeping the injured and everyone impacted in our thoughts.’

Shocking video shows hockey players fleeing for their lives after a father opened fire on his family inside the Rhode Island ice skating rink.

In footage of the game, circulating on social media, players can be seen ducking down on the sidelines after around six shots rang out. Others, who were on the ice, scrambled to get to safety. 

In total, around a dozen shots were fired, with spectators heard screaming and crying. Two spectators were killed in the tragedy, in what authorities are now saying stemmed from a ‘family dispute.’

Fox News reported that the gunman shot and killed his wife and opened fire on his children before turning the gun on himself.

One of the children was pronounced dead at a local hospital, while a second child remains in the hospital along with two others, all of whom are in critical condition.

Following the shooting, a woman exiting the Pawtucket Police Department with a man and a child told WCVB that her father was the shooter. 

A father is seen is seen hugging his son outside of the arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island

‘He shot my family, and he’s dead now,’ the unidentified woman said, adding that he ‘has mental health issues.’ 

Footage from the scene appeared to show a man in a white beanie walking down the stands and opening fire into the crowd. One hockey player later described the chaos he felt on the ice.

‘I thought it was balloons at first – it was like “bop, bop…” but this kept going – and it was actually gunshots,’ Olin Lawrence recounted.

‘And after the gunshots, me and my teammates ran right to the locker room and we just bunkered up and we pressed against the door and we tried to stay safe down there. But it was very scary, we were very nervous.’