Police Identify RI Hockey Shooter as Father Robert Dorgan

Dorgan also used alias Roberta Esposito, authorities say

Feb. 17, 2026 at 11:47pm

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Police have identified the gunman who killed two people and critically injured three others at a high school hockey game in Rhode Island on Monday as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan. Authorities revealed that Dorgan also used the alias Roberta Esposito.

Why it matters

The shooting at a high school hockey game has shocked the local community and raised questions about security at sporting events and the mental health challenges that may have contributed to the tragic incident.

The details

According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, Dorgan opened fire at the hockey game, targeting four family members and one family friend. Livestream footage captured the moment Dorgan began shooting. Multiple sources reported that Dorgan's son's mother was killed inside the arena, and a sibling died at the hospital. Dorgan then took his own life at the scene. Three victims remain in critical condition.

  • The shooting occurred on Monday afternoon at a high school hockey game.

The players

Robert Dorgan

The 56-year-old gunman who also used the alias Roberta Esposito.

Tina Goncalves

The Pawtucket Police Chief who identified Dorgan as the shooter.

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What they’re saying

“Police identified the gunman who killed two people and critically injured three others at a high school hockey game in Rhode Island on Monday afternoon as Robert Dorgan and revealed he also went by a female name.”

— Tina Goncalves, Pawtucket Police Chief

What’s next

Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive behind the shooting and the mental health history of the perpetrator.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for increased security measures and mental health support at public events to prevent such senseless acts of violence from occurring in the future.