The daughter of the suspect in the Rhode Island ice rink shooting is recounting the moment she says she locked eyes with her father inside the arena — a split second that, according to her, changed everything.

The deadly incident unfolded at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket during a high school hockey matchup, where authorities say a domestic dispute escalated into fatal violence. In the aftermath, surviving family members have begun sharing their experiences of that night.

According to the daughter’s account, she recalls seeing her father inside the arena shortly before shots were fired. She described a brief moment of eye contact that she says felt “different” from anything she had experienced before. While she did not publicly speculate about his state of mind, she indicated that the look prompted an instinctive reaction.

Moments later, gunfire erupted. In the chaos that followed, she says she focused solely on getting to safety. Witnesses previously described panic inside the arena as spectators sought cover and exits. The daughter explained that she moved quickly toward an available exit point amid the confusion.

Survival in active shooting situations often depends on immediate decision-making. Safety experts emphasize the importance of recognizing danger cues and moving toward safe zones when possible. The daughter’s account suggests that the eye contact may have served as an early warning that something was wrong.

Authorities have not commented specifically on her account but confirmed that the shooting was a targeted domestic act and not a random attack on the public. The suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.

The emotional weight of surviving such an event — particularly when the alleged perpetrator is a family member — presents complex trauma dynamics. Mental health professionals note that survivors may experience layered grief, including shock, guilt, anger and confusion simultaneously.

Community members in Pawtucket have continued to hold vigils honoring the victims. Counseling resources have reportedly been made available to students and families affected by the tragedy.

The daughter’s decision to speak publicly reflects a broader attempt to process and contextualize the events of that night. Survivor narratives often play a role in community healing, though they also underscore the deeply personal impact of domestic violence unfolding in public spaces.

Investigators continue to review surveillance footage and witness testimony to finalize the official timeline. While much of the factual sequence has been established, personal accounts provide additional perspective on the human dimension of the tragedy.

The daughter did not elaborate extensively on what she believes prompted her father’s actions. Instead, she focused on describing the critical seconds that allowed her to survive. Her account emphasizes instinct, awareness and rapid movement toward safety.

As the Rhode Island community continues to mourn, her story stands as both a painful reminder of what occurred and a testament to survival under extreme circumstances. Authorities maintain that there is no ongoing threat related to the incident.

The investigation remains open as officials complete procedural reviews, but for survivors like the daughter, the emotional aftermath may extend far beyond the conclusion of formal inquiries.