Shooter kills ex-wife and son at Rhode Island ice rink

Gunman also injured three others before dying by apparent self-inflicted gunshot, police say

Feb. 19, 2026 at 3:15pm

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A person opened fire during a youth hockey game at an ice rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on Monday, killing their ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and adult son Aidan Dorgan. The shooter, identified as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, also went by the name Roberta Esposito, also injured three others before dying from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police credited a 'good Samaritan' with intervening to bring the attack to an end.

Why it matters

The shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena has shaken the local community and raised concerns about gun violence and safety at youth sporting events. It comes just two months after another deadly shooting incident in Rhode Island, underscoring the state's struggle with gun crime.

The details

According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, the shooter, Robert Dorgan, opened fire during the youth hockey game, killing his ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and their adult son Aidan Dorgan. Dorgan, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito, also injured three others, including Rhonda's parents and a family friend, before dying from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities are still investigating what precipitated the shooting and whether it was a targeted attack.

  • The shooting occurred on Monday afternoon at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
  • Police spoke to nearly 100 witnesses on Monday evening as they investigated the incident.

The players

Robert Dorgan

The 56-year-old shooter, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito, was an employee of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, a shipbuilding facility in Bath, Maine that contracts with the U.S. Navy.

Rhonda Dorgan

The ex-wife of the shooter, who was killed in the attack.

Aidan Dorgan

The adult son of the shooter and Rhonda Dorgan, who was also killed in the attack.

Tina Goncalves

The Pawtucket Chief of Police, who provided details about the shooting and the victims.

Destiny Mackenzie

A colleague of the shooter at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, who recalled that the shooter used the women's bathroom and frequently talked about a hockey-playing son.

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What they’re saying

“What was supposed to be some seniors' only chance at playoff games is now ruined. Images that these kids and family's now have to live with. That's who I send my condolences to is those families. The reality of our gun laws needs a major reconsideration and it unfortunate guns land in the hands of such sick individuals.”

— Destiny Mackenzie, Colleague of the shooter

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

— Tina Goncalves, Pawtucket Police Chief

“It happens far too often in our nation.”

— Michael Steven

What’s next

Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the shooting and whether it was a targeted attack. The judge will also decide on whether to allow the shooter's ex-wife's parents, who were injured in the attack, to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting at a youth hockey game underscores the ongoing challenges Rhode Island faces with gun violence and the need for a comprehensive review of gun laws and safety measures at public events to prevent such senseless acts of violence from occurring in the future.