Pawtucket Shooting Investigation Ongoing After Deadly High School Hockey Game Incident

Detectives continue to review security footage and body cam video as they piece together the events that led to the tragic deaths.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The investigation into the deadly shooting at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island earlier this week is still ongoing. Police have released details about the two firearms used by the shooter, Robert Dorgan, who killed his ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan, their son Aidan Dorgan, and critically wounded several others before taking his own life. Detectives are conducting a comprehensive review of available evidence, including arena security footage, third-party recordings, and body-worn camera video.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has shaken the Pawtucket community and raised questions about gun violence, mental health, and safety at public events. The investigation aims to provide answers and determine if any policy changes or additional security measures are needed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The details

According to police, Robert Dorgan, who identified as transgender and also went by the name Roberta, brought two legally purchased firearms into Lynch Arena on Monday afternoon. He used a 10mm Glock 29 he had purchased in Jacksonville, Florida in 2021 to shoot and kill his ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and their oldest son Aidan Dorgan. He also critically wounded Rhonda's parents Linda and Gerald Dorgan, and family friend Thomas Geruso. Dorgan then used a Sig Sauer P226 (.357) he had bought in West Warwick in 2019 to take his own life after several bystanders tackled and disarmed him.

  • The shooting occurred on Monday afternoon at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket.
  • Robert Dorgan purchased the 10mm Glock 29 in Jacksonville, Florida on September 19, 2021.
  • Dorgan purchased the Sig Sauer P226 (.357) in West Warwick on July 13, 2019.

The players

Robert Dorgan

The shooter, who also went by the name Roberta, legally purchased the two firearms used in the attack and killed his ex-wife, their son, and critically wounded several others before taking his own life.

Rhonda Dorgan

Robert Dorgan's ex-wife, who was killed in the shooting.

Aidan Dorgan

The Dorgans' oldest son, who was also killed in the shooting.

Linda Dorgan

Rhonda Dorgan's mother, who was critically wounded in the shooting.

Gerald Dorgan

Rhonda Dorgan's father, who was also critically wounded in the shooting.

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What they’re saying

“The investigation continues into the deadly shooting at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket earlier this week.”

— Pawtucket Police Department (WPRI.com)

What’s next

Detectives are still conducting a comprehensive review of available evidence, including arena security footage, third-party recordings and body-worn camera video. The Pawtucket Police Department is also working with the Rhode Island Attorney General's office to determine what footage may be appropriate for public release while safeguarding the privacy of victims, witnesses and spectators.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has highlighted the need for continued vigilance and improved safety measures at public events to protect against gun violence. The investigation will aim to provide answers and inform any necessary policy changes or security enhancements to prevent similar tragedies in the future.