SENATE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE COURAGE, HEROISM, AND COMPASSION OF THE INDIVIDUALS WHO RENDERED AID DURING THE LYNCH ARENA SHOOTING IN PAWTUCKET

S3173

2026 -- S 3173
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N
RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE COURAGE, HEROISM, AND COMPASSION OF
THE INDIVIDUALS WHO RENDERED AID DURING THE LYNCH ARENA SHOOTING
IN PAWTUCKET

Introduced By:
Senators Paolino, Urso, Lawson, de la Cruz, Tikoian, Famiglietti,
McKenney, LaMountain, Britto, and Felag

Date Introduced:
March 31, 2026

Referred To:
Recommended for Immediate Consideration
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WHEREAS, This Senate was deeply saddened by the tragic shooting that occurred on
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February 16, 2026 at Lynch Arena in the City of Pawtucket, and seeks to recognize the
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extraordinary courage, heroism, and compassion demonstrated by individuals—true Good
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Samaritans—who responded by rendering aid, protecting others, intervening to stop further
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violence, and offering comfort during this time of crisis; and
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WHEREAS, The tragic event unfolded during a high school hockey game, a gathering
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intended to celebrate student-athletes, and resulted in multiple fatalities and serious injuries,
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profoundly impacting families, teammates, and the broader community; and
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WHEREAS, In a moment of sudden chaos, confusion, and fear—when many initially
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struggled to comprehend the danger—individuals present were forced to make immediate, life-
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altering decisions; and
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WHEREAS, In the midst of this crisis, numerous individuals demonstrated extraordinary
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courage, empathy, and selflessness by placing themselves in harm’s way to assist victims and
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protect others; and
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WHEREAS, Michael Black of North Smithfield, Robert Rattenni of North Smithfield,
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and Ryan Cordeiro of Fall River, Massachusetts, exhibited remarkable bravery by tackling and
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disarming the shooter, helping to protect others and prevent further harm; and
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WHEREAS, Chris Librizzi of Warwick, head coach of the Blackstone Valley Schools
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hockey team and retired Warwick Firefighter and EMT, rendered aid to victims until the scene

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was cleared and emergency medical personnel were able to enter; and
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WHEREAS, Glenn Narodowy of North Smithfield, retired Warwick Firefighter and
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EMT, provided critical assistance to victims until the scene was secured and medics could safely
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respond; and
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WHEREAS, Mary Ann Rattenni of North Smithfield, a nurse who rendered essential
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medical aid to the victims until emergency personnel were able to access the scene; and
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WHEREAS, Kinda Priestley of East Greenwich rendered compassionate aid to victims
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until the scene was cleared for emergency responders; and
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WHEREAS, Marcelle Boyes of Greenville/Smithfield offered prayers and comfort to the
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victims, remaining with them until help could arrive; and
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WHEREAS, April Lombardi of North Smithfield demonstrated exceptional courage by
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ushering students to safety, returning inside to offer additional assistance, and providing comfort
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and prayers to those injured; and
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WHEREAS, Juliann Riley of North Providence assisted in rendering aid to victims and
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provided prayers and comfort during a time of profound distress; and
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WHEREAS, The effects of this tragedy extended far beyond the arena, touching
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communities across Rhode Island and prompting an outpouring of grief, unity, and support; and
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WHEREAS, In the days and weeks following the tragedy, the resilience of students,
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families, and the community has stood as a testament to strength, humanity, and solidarity in the
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face of devastating loss; and
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WHEREAS, The actions of these individuals exemplify the very highest ideals of
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community, as Good Samaritans who, without hesitation, placed the safety and well-being of
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others above their own, acting with bravery, compassion, and selflessness in the face of
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immediate danger, and providing both critical assistance and comfort during a moment of
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profound crisis; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses its deepest
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gratitude and recognition to Chris Librizzi, Glenn Narodowy, Mary Ann Rattenni, Robert
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Rattenni, Michael Black, Ryan Cordeiro, Kinda Priestley, Marcelle Boyes, April Lombardi, and
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Juliann Riley for their heroic and noble actions during the Lynch Arena shooting in the City of
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Pawtucket; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Chris Librizzi, Glenn Narodowy, Mary Ann
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Rattenni, Robert Rattenni, Michael Black, Ryan Cordeiro, Kinda Priestley, Marcelle Boyes,

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April Lombardi, and Juliann Riley.
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