Deadly Shooting at Rhode Island Youth Hockey Game

Authorities say the incident was a 'targeted event' and not a random attack.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A shooting during a Rhode Island youth hockey game left three people dead, including the shooter, and three more hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves told reporters that the shooting appeared to be a targeted event, possibly a family dispute, and that someone intervened to try to subdue the shooter, who died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Why it matters

This tragic incident comes just two months after another high-profile shooting in Rhode Island at Brown University, raising concerns about gun violence in the state. The shooting at a youth sporting event has also shaken the local community and raised questions about safety at such events.

The details

According to authorities, the shooter was identified as Robert Dorgan, also known as Roberta Esposito, who was born in 1969. The police chief did not provide further details about the shooter or the victims, except to say that both victims who died were adults. Investigators are still working to piece together what happened and have spoken with numerous witnesses and reviewed video footage from the hockey game.

  • The shooting occurred on Monday afternoon at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
  • The incident comes nearly two months after a shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island that left two students dead and nine others wounded.

The players

Tina Goncalves

Pawtucket Police Chief who provided details about the shooting incident.

Robert Dorgan

Also known as Roberta Esposito, the 1969-born shooter who died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Don Grebien

Pawtucket Mayor who expressed sadness over the tragedy, noting that it occurred during a youth sporting event.

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What they’re saying

“It appears that this was a targeted event, that it may be a family dispute.”

— Tina Goncalves, Pawtucket Police Chief (PBS NewsHour)

“The fortunate thing is that the two incidents are not related, but it is very tragic. 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.”

— Don Grebien, Pawtucket Mayor (PBS NewsHour)

What’s next

Investigators are continuing to review evidence and interview witnesses to determine the motive and circumstances behind the shooting.

The takeaway

This tragic incident at a youth hockey game highlights the ongoing challenge of gun violence in communities, even at events meant to be safe and fun for families. It underscores the need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of such violence and ensure the safety of all community members.