Pawtucket Police Release Bodycam Video of Deadly Hockey Rink Shooting

Footage shows chaotic scene as officers respond to attack that left three dead

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Pawtucket Police Department has released body camera video of a deadly shooting that occurred at a high school hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena on February 16. The video shows the chaotic moments as the first officers arrived at the rink, where Robert Dorgan, 56, had opened fire on his ex-wife, their adult son, his former in-laws, and a family friend before turning the gun on himself. Rhonda and Aiden Dorgan were killed almost immediately, while Gerald Dorgan, Robert's former father-in-law, died days later from his injuries.

Why it matters

The release of the body camera footage provides a firsthand account of the police response to the tragic shooting, which has shaken the Pawtucket community. The video offers insight into the chaotic and dangerous situation officers faced as they rushed to confront the active shooter and secure the scene.

The details

According to police, Robert Dorgan entered the hockey arena and opened fire on his ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, their adult son, Aiden Dorgan, his former in-laws, and a family friend before taking his own life. The newly released body camera footage shows officers sprinting into the rink with guns drawn, unsure if the shooter was still alive. The video has been partially blurred, but it captures the moment when Good Samaritans jumped in to subdue the shooter. A motive for Robert Dorgan's actions has not been established.

  • The shooting occurred on February 16, 2026 at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
  • Gerald Dorgan, Robert's former father-in-law, died from his injuries on February 22, 2026.

The players

Robert Dorgan

A 56-year-old man who entered the hockey arena and opened fire on his ex-wife, their adult son, his former in-laws, and a family friend before taking his own life.

Rhonda Dorgan

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

Aiden Dorgan

The adult son of Robert and Rhonda Dorgan, who was killed in the shooting.

Gerald Dorgan

Robert Dorgan's former father-in-law, who died from his injuries several days after the shooting.

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What’s next

The Pawtucket Police Department has not yet released a full report on the investigation into the shooting, and it remains unclear if any charges will be filed against individuals who may have been involved in the incident.

The takeaway

The release of the body camera footage provides a harrowing look at the response to a tragic and senseless act of violence, underscoring the need for continued efforts to address the underlying issues that can lead to such devastating events in communities across the country.