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Pawtucket Today
By the People, for the People
Shooting Shatters Holiday High School Hockey Game in Rhode Island
Three people killed, including the shooter, in a family dispute that turned deadly at a Pawtucket rink
Published on Feb. 18, 2026
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A shooting erupted during a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on Monday, leaving three people dead, including the shooter, and three others critically injured. The incident appears to have stemmed from a family dispute that escalated at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, where players and spectators were forced to flee as gunshots rang out.
Why it matters
The tragic shooting at a community ice rink during a youth sporting event highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in America, which has impacted schools, places of worship, and other public spaces. It also raises questions about public safety and security measures at recreational facilities frequented by families and children.
The details
According to the Pawtucket Police Department, the shooter's birth name was Robert Dorgan, though the person also went by the name Roberta Esposito. A motive for the shooting was not immediately known, though authorities believe it arose from a family dispute. The incident occurred around 2:30 pm during a game between the Blackstone Valley Schools and Coventry Public Schools teams, who were celebrating senior night. Players on the ice and spectators in the stands were forced to take cover as the gunfire erupted.
- The game was scheduled to begin at 2 pm on Monday, February 17, 2026.
- The shooting occurred around 2:30 pm during the game.
The players
Tina Goncalves
Chief of the Pawtucket Police Department.
Donald R. Grebien
The mayor of Pawtucket.
Dan McKee
The governor of Rhode Island.
Robert Dorgan
The shooter, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito.
Don Cowart
The superintendent of the Coventry Public School District.
What they’re saying
“It's very tragic. These are high school kids. They were playing with their families watching, a fun time, and it turned into this. So it's got to be traumatic.”
— Donald R. Grebien, Mayor of Pawtucket
“As governor, a parent and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families, students and everyone impacted by the devastating shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.”
— Dan McKee, Governor of Rhode Island
“This kind of stuff doesn't happen at ice rinks.”
— Timothy Senn, Resident
What’s next
Authorities are investigating the motive behind the shooting and working to determine if the incident was a targeted attack. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has sent agents to the scene to assist local law enforcement.
The takeaway
The shooting at the Pawtucket ice rink during a high school hockey game is a tragic reminder of the pervasive issue of gun violence in the United States, which has impacted schools, places of worship, and other public spaces meant for community and recreation. This incident underscores the need for continued efforts to address gun violence and improve public safety measures at venues frequented by families and children.
