Shooting at Rhode Island Youth Hockey Game Leaves 3 Dead, Including Shooter

Three more people were hospitalized in critical condition after the incident at a Pawtucket arena.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

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. The police chief stated that the shooting appeared to be a targeted event and possibly a family dispute. The shooter was identified as Robert Dorgan, also known as Roberta Esposito, born in 1969.

Why it matters

This tragic incident at a youth sporting event has shaken the Pawtucket community and raised concerns about gun violence in the state, coming just two months after a separate shooting at Brown University that left multiple casualties.

The details

According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, someone intervened and tried to subdue the shooter, who died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The two other victims who died were adults, but their identities were not released. Investigators are reviewing video footage and speaking to numerous witnesses who were present at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena during the hockey game.

  • The shooting occurred on Monday afternoon.
  • The incident took place at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

The players

Robert Dorgan

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

Tina Goncalves

Pawtucket Police Chief, who provided details about the shooting and ongoing investigation.

Don Grebien

Pawtucket Mayor, who expressed sadness over the tragedy at a youth sporting event.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Tina Goncalves, Pawtucket Police Chief (taylorvilledailynews.com)

“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 (taylorvilledailynews.com)

What’s next

Investigators are continuing to review video footage and interview witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. The police chief stated that the shooting appeared to be a targeted incident, possibly related to a family dispute, and they are working to determine the motive and any potential connections between the victims and the shooter.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting at a youth hockey game has once again highlighted the devastating impact of gun violence, even in seemingly safe and family-friendly environments. The Pawtucket community is grappling with this senseless loss of life and the trauma inflicted on those present, raising urgent questions about public safety and the need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of such violence.