Suspect in Pawtucket Shooting Had Alleged Nazi Tattoos

Authorities investigate possible white supremacist ties in deadly hockey arena attack.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 9:39pm

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Following a deadly shooting at a youth hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, that left three people dead, including the suspect, reports have surfaced that the alleged shooter had tattoos associated with Nazi Germany and white supremacist ideology. Screenshots of the suspect's social media accounts appear to show a Totenkopf (skull) and SS lightning bolt tattoos, symbols linked to the Nazi party's Schutzstaffel (SS) paramilitary organization.

Why it matters

The revelation of potential white supremacist ties raises concerns about the shooter's motivations and whether the attack was ideologically driven. Authorities are investigating the suspect's background and any extremist affiliations as they work to determine a motive for the targeted shooting.

The details

Police have identified the suspect as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also used the name Roberta Esposito. Screenshots from a Facebook account linked to the suspect show tattoos that appear to include a Totenkopf (skull) and two lightning bolt symbols, both of which are associated with Nazi Germany's SS paramilitary organization. The Totenkopf was adopted by Hitler's bodyguard unit, which later grew into the SS, while the lightning bolt symbols are referred to as 'SS runes' and have been used by white supremacist groups.

  • The shooting occurred on Monday at a youth hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
  • Three people, including the suspect, were killed in the attack.
  • Three additional victims were hospitalized in critical condition.

The players

Robert Dorgan

The 56-year-old suspect in the Pawtucket shooting, who also used the name Roberta Esposito.

Tina Goncalves

The Pawtucket Police Chief, who stated the shooting appeared to be targeted and stemmed from a family dispute.

Dan McKee

The Democratic Governor of Rhode Island, who posted on social media that he was monitoring the situation and praying for Pawtucket.

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What they’re saying

“We are actively monitoring the shooting at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket. I just spoke with Mayor Grebien as well as @RIStatePolice who are working with local law enforcement. I am praying for Pawtucket and everyone involved.”

— Dan McKee, Rhode Island Governor

What’s next

Authorities continue to investigate the suspect's background and any potential extremist affiliations that may have motivated the targeted attack.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting has raised disturbing questions about the alleged shooter's potential ties to white supremacist ideology, underscoring the need for vigilance against the threat of ideologically-driven violence in our communities.