Recognizing and Honoring the Courage, Heroism, and Compassion of the Individuals Who Rendered Aid During the Lynch Arena Shooting in Pawtucket

WHEREAS, This House was deeply saddened by the tragic shooting that occurred on February 16, 2026 at Lynch Arena in the City of Pawtucket, and seeks to recognize the extraordinary courage, heroism, and compassion demonstrated by individuals—true Good Samaritans—who responded by rendering aid, protecting others, intervening to stop further violence, and offering comfort during this time of crisis; and

WHEREAS, The tragic event unfolded during a high school hockey game, a gathering intended to celebrate student-athletes, and resulted in multiple fatalities and serious injuries, profoundly impacting families, teammates, and the broader community; and

WHEREAS, In a moment of sudden chaos, confusion, and fear—when many initially struggled to comprehend the danger—individuals present were forced to make immediate, life- altering decisions; and

WHEREAS, In the midst of this crisis, numerous individuals demonstrated extraordinary courage, empathy, and selflessness by placing themselves in harm’s way to assist victims and protect others; and

WHEREAS, Michael Black of North Smithfield, Robert Rattenni of North Smithfield, and Ryan Cordeiro of Fall River, Massachusetts, exhibited remarkable bravery by tackling and disarming the shooter, helping to protect others and prevent further harm; and

WHEREAS, Chris Librizzi of Warwick, head coach of the Blackstone Valley Schools hockey team and retired Warwick Firefighter and EMT, rendered aid to victims until the scene was cleared and emergency medical personnel were able to enter; and

WHEREAS, Glenn Narodowy of North Smithfield, retired Warwick Firefighter and EMT, provided critical assistance to victims until the scene was secured and medics could safely respond; and

WHEREAS, Mary Ann Rattenni of North Smithfield, a nurse who rendered essential medical aid to the victims until emergency personnel were able to access the scene; and

WHEREAS, Kinda Priestley of East Greenwich rendered compassionate aid to victims until the scene was cleared for emergency responders; and

WHEREAS, Marcelle Boyes of Greenville/Smithfield offered prayers and comfort to the victims, remaining with them until help could arrive; and

WHEREAS, April Lombardi of North Smithfield demonstrated exceptional courage by ushering students to safety, returning inside to offer additional assistance, and providing comfort and prayers to those injured; and

WHEREAS, Juliann Riley of North Providence assisted in rendering aid to victims and provided prayers and comfort during a time of profound distress; and

WHEREAS, The effects of this tragedy extended far beyond the arena, touching communities across Rhode Island and prompting an outpouring of grief, unity, and support; and

WHEREAS, In the days and weeks following the tragedy, the resilience of students, families, and the community has stood as a testament to strength, humanity, and solidarity in the face of devastating loss; and

WHEREAS, The actions of these individuals exemplify the very highest ideals of community, as Good Samaritans who, without hesitation, placed the safety and well-being of others above their own, acting with bravery, compassion, and selflessness in the face of immediate danger, and providing both critical assistance and comfort during a moment of profound crisis; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses its deepest gratitude and recognition to Chris Librizzi, Glenn Narodowy, Mary Ann Rattenni, Robert Rattenni, Michael Black, Ryan Cordeiro, Kinda Priestley, Marcelle Boyes, April Lombardi, and Juliann Riley for their heroic and noble actions during the Lynch Arena shooting in the City of Pawtucket; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Chris Librizzi, Glenn Narodowy, Mary Ann Rattenni, Robert Rattenni, Michael Black, Ryan Cordeiro, Kinda Priestley, Marcelle Boyes, April Lombardi, and Juliann Riley.