Gunfire erupted at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, during a high school boys’ hockey game on February 16, 2026. Authorities reported that the shooting occurred around 2:30 p.m. and stemmed from a family dispute. Players and spectators scrambled for safety as shots rang out in the stands.
Tina Goncalves, Pawtucket Police Chief, stated that the incident appeared targeted. She explained, “It may be a family dispute.” Officers arrived quickly and found five people shot.
Victims and Injuries
Two victims died from their injuries, while three others remained in critical condition at local hospitals. Goncalves confirmed that the victims included family members of the suspect and a family friend. She added, “Both victims were adults.”
Additionally, a 16-year-old goalie from the Coventry team recalled the chaos. He said, “I’m overwhelmed, but trying to stay calm. You don’t know what it feels like until you’re in it.”
Suspect Identified
Police identified the suspect as Robert Dorgan, who also used the name Roberta Esposito. Born in 1969, Dorgan died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Goncalves noted, “We have identified the person, the suspect, by a birth name. The birth name was Robert Dorgan. We have also learned that the person does go by the name of Roberta.”
Moreover the suspect’s daughter spoke outside the police department. She said, “My father was the shooter. He shot my family, and he’s dead now. He has mental health issues.”
Intervention and Recovery
A good Samaritan intervened during the attack, which helped end the violence swiftly. Goncalves praised the action and said, “A good Samaritan stepped in and interjected in the scene, and that’s probably what led to a swift end of this tragic event.”
Investigators recovered more than one weapon from the scene. Donald Grebien, Pawtucket Mayor, mentioned that police conducted about 100 interviews afterward.
Community Impact
The game involved a Blackstone Valley co-op team against Coventry Public Schools, marking Senior Night. All schools confirmed their students escaped unharmed physically.
However the Rhode Island Interscholastic League suspended all games temporarily. The organization announced, “Out of respect for the victims and to reflect upon this senseless act of violence.”
Police assured the public of no ongoing threat. The FBI supported this assessment.
