Shooting at Rhode Island Hockey Rink Leaves 3 Dead

Suspect killed son, boy's mother, and then himself, mayor says

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A shooting at a hockey rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on Monday afternoon left three people dead, including the shooter and two members of the shooter's family. Officials say the incident may have been domestic in nature, and a good Samaritan intervened to help end the tragic event.

Why it matters

This shooting is the latest in a string of gun violence incidents in Rhode Island, coming just two months after a deadly shooting on the Brown University campus. It raises concerns about public safety, mental health issues, and domestic violence in the state.

The details

According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, the shooter, identified as Robert Dorgan, also known as Roberta Esposito, opened fire at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena during a scheduled hockey game, killing his own son and the boy's mother. Dorgan then died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Three other people were wounded in the incident, but no students or players were injured.

  • The shooting happened just before 3 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • It occurred during a scheduled hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena.

The players

Robert Dorgan

Also known as Roberta Esposito, the shooter who killed his son, the boy's mother, and then himself.

Charles Lombardi

The North Providence Mayor who confirmed the identities of the victims.

Tina Goncalves

The Pawtucket Police Chief who provided details about the shooting and the investigation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A good Samaritan stepped in and interjected in the scene, and that's probably what led to a swift end of this tragic event.”

— Tina Goncalves, Pawtucket Police Chief (wmur.com)

“My father was the shooter. He shot my family, and he's dead now.”

— Unnamed woman, Daughter of the shooter (WCVB)

“He has mental health issues.”

— Unnamed woman, Daughter of the shooter (WCVB)

What’s next

Investigators are still working to determine a motive for the shooting and gather more details about the suspect's history and mental state.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence, domestic abuse, and mental health issues in Rhode Island. It underscores the need for comprehensive solutions to address these complex problems and prevent such senseless acts of violence from occurring in the future.