Rhode Island Hockey Rink Shooting: What We Know

A shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on Monday, February 16, 2026, left three people dead, including the shooter and three others critically injured. The incident occurred during a high school hockey game, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and a wave of shock throughout the community.

The Shooting and the Victims

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves identified the shooter as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito [1]. The victims were identified as Rhonda Dorgan, the shooter’s ex-wife, and Aidan Dorgan, his son [2], [3].

The three individuals hospitalized with critical injuries have been identified as Linda and Gerald Dorgan, Rhonda Dorgan’s parents, and Thomas Geruso, a family friend [2]. They were present at the arena to watch a younger son play hockey.

Details of the Incident

The shooting took place around 2:30 pm during a game between the Coventry-Johnston cooperative team and the St. Raphael-Providence Country Day-North Providence-North Smithfield cooperative team [3]. Witnesses described hearing popping sounds initially mistaken for balloons before realizing they were gunshots [3]. Players and spectators quickly sought cover as chaos unfolded.

According to Chief Goncalves, a “great Samaritan” intervened, helping to bring the attack to a swift end [1]. At least three bystanders were able to contain Dorgan, but he was able to retrieve a second firearm before dying from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound [1], [2].

Investigation and Motive

Police are investigating the motive behind the shooting, but currently, there is no indication of prior threats or warnings of violence [1], [2]. Chief Goncalves stated that Dorgan had attended previous hockey games without incident and that family and friends reported no signs of impending violence [3].

Investigators have interviewed nearly 100 witnesses and are reviewing video footage, including a livestream of the game from LiveBarn [1]. Searches are being conducted with the assistance of the FBI in another state, though the specific location was not disclosed [1].

Police recovered seven firearm magazines at the scene, some of which exceeded Rhode Island’s 10-round limit [2]. The firearms were legally purchased, and Dorgan possessed a license to carry in Florida [2].

Reactions and Aftermath

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed his sorrow and offered prayers for Pawtucket and those affected by the tragedy [3]. U.S. Senator Jack Reed also called the shooting a “horrible tragedy” and praised the actions of law enforcement and the “good Samaritan” who attempted to disarm the shooter [3].

The Rhode Island Interscholastic League has temporarily suspended all interscholastic games [3].