3 Dead in Shooting at Rhode Island Hockey Rink

Gunman kills wife, child, and himself at high school hockey game

Feb. 18, 2026 at 10:31pm

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A disgruntled father has been identified as the gunman behind a deadly mass shooting that took place inside a hockey rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on Monday, February 16. The shooter allegedly targeted members of his own family before dying by suicide, leaving three people dead and three others injured.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the need for better mental health support and resources for families. The shooting also raises concerns about safety and security measures at public events, especially those involving children.

The details

According to police, the shooter has been identified as Robert Dorgan, who also used the name Roberta Esposito. Dorgan allegedly opened fire on his wife, their three children, and a family friend who were attending a high school hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena. The mother was killed at the scene, while one of the children later died from their injuries at the hospital. Dorgan then died by suicide. A 'good Samaritan' intervened, which police believe led to the swift end of the incident.

  • The shooting occurred around 3 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.
  • Dorgan's son was a senior at North Providence High School, one of the teams participating in the hockey games.

The players

Robert Dorgan

The suspected gunman, who also used the name Roberta Esposito, and was the father of a senior at North Providence High School.

Tina Goncalves

The Pawtucket Police Chief, who stated the shooting was possibly domestic in nature and that the victims were members of the suspect's family and a family friend.

Melissa Dunn

A parent whose son plays on one of the hockey teams, who described the initial confusion and fear among spectators when the shooting occurred.

Olin Lawrence

A sophomore goalie from Coventry High School, who described barricading himself and other players in the locker room after the shots were fired.

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What they’re saying

“It was supposed to be a special day for the team, and it's really sad.”

— Melissa Dunn, Parent

“You just hear the loud noises. And we're used to the kids banging on the board with their skates, so we thought it was that at first.”

— Melissa Dunn, Parent

“It was loud. It kept going on, so I ran right into the locker room right after I got off the ice.”

— Olin Lawrence, Sophomore Goalie

“We were just trying to be safe. We were trying to see if everyone was all good and if everyone was safe. Just to get everyone on the door. We pressed against the door and just tried to stay safe down in there. It was very scary. We were very nervous. It was a lot of shots.”

— Olin Lawrence, Sophomore Goalie

What’s next

The Pawtucket Police Department is continuing to investigate the shooting and the circumstances surrounding it.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for improved mental health resources and support for families, as well as the importance of prioritizing safety and security measures at public events to prevent such senseless acts of violence.