A night of youth hockey in Colorado ended in gunfire when a woman was shot and wounded outside an ice facility after a tournament on Dec. 11, 2023, according to police. She was treated at a hospital and later told reporters she went in knowing competitive youth events can get heated, but was still “shocked” to be the one struck. The suspect was not immediately identified as investigators began canvassing the area for witnesses and surveillance footage.
Police opened an active investigation and urged anyone with video or information to contact detectives, as reported by 9News. Authorities said they were reviewing video from the rink and nearby businesses and had not identified a suspect at the time of the station’s report.
Victim's account
The woman told the station’s 9WantsToKnow unit she “knew violence was a possibility” at the event but was still “shocked” when she was wounded. She said she was standing with other spectators when a shot rang out and that medical personnel transported her to a hospital for treatment, as reported by 9News.
Broader context
The Colorado shooting comes amid wider concerns about violence at rinks and other spectator events. A Feb. 16 shooting at a youth hockey game in Pawtucket, R.I., left multiple people dead or wounded and renewed calls for stronger venue security and emergency planning at community sporting events, according to the Associated Press.
How to help investigators
Investigators asked residents and business owners to check their security systems and share any short clips or dashcam footage that might show the shooting or the person who fired. Authorities advised the public not to approach anyone who appears suspicious and instead to call 911 or the local non-emergency police line with tips.
