2026 -- H 8377

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LC006232

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S 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: Representatives Newberry, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Corvese,
Chippendale, Kennedy, Tanzi, Ajello, Shallcross Smith, and Boylan

     Date Introduced: March 31, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     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,

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April Lombardi, and Juliann Riley.

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