Shooting at Pawtucket, Rhode Island Ice Rink Leaves Two Dead, Three Critically Injured, Shooter Also Dead

A shooting at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island left two people dead and three others critically injured Monday afternoon. The suspect, identified by police as Robert Dorgan, is also dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves. The incident occurred approximately two hours before law enforcement held a formal press conference.

What Happened

The shooting took place at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, an indoor skating rink, at around 2:30 p.m. Monday. The shooting occurred during a hockey game between two local co-op teams: Coventry-Johnston and St. Raphael-Providence Country Day-North Providence-North Smithfield.

Police Chief Goncalves said the shooter was at the arena to watch a family member’s hockey game. “It appears that this was a targeted event, that it may be a family dispute,” she said, noting that authorities were still investigating.

A Good Samaritan intervened and attempted to subdue the suspect. Pawtucket Police Chief Goncalves told reporters, “A good Samaritan stepped in, interjected and attempted to subdue the suspect,” and stated this intervention likely contributed to a swift end to the incident.

Federal agents from the ATF and FBI responded to assist state and local law enforcement at the scene. FBI Director Kash Patel said federal resources would be made available as needed.

Who Is Affected

Police Chief Goncalves said both victims who died appear to have been adults. Three additional individuals remain hospitalized in critical condition.

According to reporting by WPRI, the victims included a student’s mother and sister. Three other members of the same family were among those hospitalized in critical condition. The student was not physically injured.

Police have not publicly identified the victims, stating that information will be released after family notifications are completed.

Multiple schools were involved in the senior night hockey game. Officials from St. Raphael Academy, North Smithfield, North Providence, Coventry, Johnston, and Providence Country Day School confirmed their students were accounted for and safe.

Official Statements

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan, born in 1969, who also used the name Roberta and the last name Esposito.

Chief Goncalves stated that Pawtucket police had not had any prior interactions with Dorgan.

Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien said: “These are high school kids. They were doing an event, they were playing with their families watching, a fun time, and it turned into this.”

Mayor Grebien added: “What happened here was a total tragedy and an actless sense of violence. We are all committed to transparency and will share more details as we get them confirmed.”

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee stated: “Our state is grieving again. As governor, a parent and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families, and everyone impacted by the devastating shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.”

The Rhode Island Interscholastic League announced Monday night that it would temporarily suspend all games “out of respect for the victims and to reflect upon this senseless act of violence.

What Is Not Yet Known

The following details have not yet been officially confirmed by authorities:

• The identities of the deceased victims, pending family notification
• The precise sequence of events leading up to the shooting
• The specific nature of the alleged family dispute
• Full details regarding the Good Samaritan’s identity and actions
• The type of firearm used and how it was obtained
• Whether additional charges or legal proceedings are expected, given the shooter is deceased

The shooting is also being investigated by the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office. Authorities have indicated the investigation remains active and additional information is expected to be released.

Public Safety Information

The FBI stated that the public should continue to avoid the area around Dennis M. Lynch Arena while the investigation is ongoing.

Grief counseling is available for those who were at the arena and their families at the Blackstone Valley Visitor’s Center from noon to 7:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Beginning Wednesday, the center will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for as long as needed. Family Service of Rhode Island, the RI Medical Reserve Corps Trauma Response Team, and the American Red Cross are providing services.

Mayor Grebien stated: “Anyone impacted by today’s incident should call 211. They’ll have trained professionals available to address both physical and emotional needs.”

Mental health support resources:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• BH Link: Call 401-414-LINK (5465)
• Kids’ Link RI: Parents can call 1-855-543-5465
• General community support: Call 211

Timeline of Updates

• ~2:30 p.m. ET, Feb. 16 — Shooting reported at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket during a high school senior night hockey game.
• ~2:30–3:00 p.m. ET — Massive police response. Law enforcement vehicles surrounded the arena. Crime scene tape established. State police, ATF, and FBI Boston field office respond.
• Afternoon, Feb. 16 — Hockey players evacuated. A large crowd was seen outside the arena, some still in socks. Players were transported away by RIPTA buses.
• Late afternoon, Feb. 16 — Three critically injured victims confirmed in care at Rhode Island Hospital.
• Evening, Feb. 16 — Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves holds press conference, identifies shooter as Robert Dorgan. Two victims confirmed dead. Shooter confirmed dead of apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
• Evening, Feb. 16 — Rhode Island Interscholastic League suspends all games pending further notice.
• Ongoing — Investigation active. Rhode Island Attorney General’s office involved. Further updates expected as victim identifications are confirmed.

Further updates will be added to this article as authorities release additional verified information.

Disclaimer: This article is based on information released by authorities and reputable sources at the time of publication. Details may change as investigations continue.

Last Updated: February 17, 2026 — 12:00 AM ET

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Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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