Shooter kills ex-wife and son in Rhode Island ice rink attack

Police credit 'good Samaritan' for bringing attack to an end

Feb. 19, 2026 at 9:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A person opened fire during a youth hockey game at an ice rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, killing their ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and adult son Aidan Dorgan. Three others were injured before the shooter, identified as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police credited an unnamed 'good Samaritan' with intervening and bringing the attack 'to a swift end'.

Why it matters

The shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket is the latest in a series of gun violence incidents in Rhode Island, coming just two months after a deadly shooting at Brown University. The tragedy has left the state 'grieving again' and raised renewed calls for a 'major reconsideration' of gun laws to prevent such attacks.

The details

According to police, there was 'no indication' that there would be violence at the ice rink on Monday afternoon. Dorgan, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito, had been to many hockey games before without incident. Investigators say Dorgan did not appear to have any conversation or confrontation with relatives before the shooting. At least three bystanders were able to contain Dorgan, but the shooter was still able to reach for a second firearm before dying by suicide.

  • The shooting occurred on Monday, February 16, 2026 during a youth hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
  • Police spoke to nearly 100 witnesses on Monday evening as they attempted to piece together what happened.

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 in Maine. Coworkers described Dorgan as having a bad temper that sometimes led to screaming matches, and as being split on the issue of transgender acceptance.

Rhonda Dorgan

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

Aidan Dorgan

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

Pawtucket Chief of Police Tina Goncalves

The police chief who provided details about the shooting and credited an unnamed 'good Samaritan' with intervening to bring the attack to an end.

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee

The governor who said the state is 'grieving again' after the shooting, which came nearly two months after a deadly shooting at Brown University.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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, Coworker of the shooter

“It happens far too often in our nation.”

— Michael Steven

“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.”

— Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Robert Dorgan's remains to be released to his family.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting at a youth hockey game highlights the ongoing gun violence crisis in the United States and the urgent need for comprehensive gun reform to prevent such senseless acts from occurring. The impact on the community, especially the young players and their families, will be long-lasting.