The Rhode Island shooter in the tragic Pawtucket high school hockey game incident on February 16, 2026, has been confirmed as 56-year-old Robert K. Dorgan, also known as Roberta Esposito. The deadly attack at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena killed three people — including the shooter — and left three others in critical condition. Law enforcement described the violence as a targeted family dispute that unfolded during a youth hockey event, shocking the local community.
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What Happened at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena
On Monday afternoon just before 2:30 p.m. EST, a boys’ high school hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, erupted into chaos when gunfire was suddenly heard in the stands. The game was being played as part of a co-op team event that included multiple schools. Spectators, players, and families were celebrating a senior night event when shots rang out, causing panic and fear throughout the arena.
Authorities responded rapidly, securing the scene and providing emergency aid to those injured. Police officers and emergency responders arrived on site within minutes, evacuated attendees, and began assisting the victims. The shooter died at the scene of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Shooter Identified: Robert K. Dorgan
Law enforcement officials identified the Rhode Island shooter as Robert K. Dorgan, born in 1969 and also known by the name Roberta Esposito. Dorgan was a resident of North Providence and the father of a senior on the North Providence High School hockey team, which was among the groups playing in the game.
Police described the shooting as a “targeted event” linked to a family dispute. Family members and witnesses reported that the shooter had longstanding personal and familial tensions, and a woman leaving the Pawtucket Police Department said the shooter was her father and that he had “mental health issues.”
Casualties and Victims
The shooting resulted in three deaths, including the shooter himself, and three people critically injured. Two victims were killed at the scene, while one died later at a hospital. All of the victims besides the shooter were adults, and authorities have indicated that those targeted included members of the shooter’s own family and a family friend. The three injured victims remain hospitalized in critical condition.
Officials have not publicly released the names of the victims pending notification of next of kin. The violence occurred in full view of players, parents, and spectators, many of whom were caught off guard and feared for their lives.
Eyewitness Accounts and Immediate Reactions
Witnesses described initial confusion and fear as the sounds broke out during the hockey game. Some attendees initially thought the loud noises were part of the game, such as players hitting the boards with their skates, before realizing they were gunshots. Players on the ice raced to safety as people in the stands sought cover or fled the arena. Some students barricaded themselves inside locker rooms while awaiting rescue.
One hockey player recounted that he and his teammates sought safety in a locker room once it became clear that shots were being fired. Many parents and families were left traumatized by the sudden violence at what was meant to be a celebratory event.
Law Enforcement and Bystander Intervention
Police credited a Good Samaritan at the scene with helping bring the situation to a quicker end by attempting to confront the shooter, although the shooter was still able to inflict harm before law enforcement arrived. Investigators recovered multiple firearms from the arena, and authorities confirmed that no additional suspects were being sought.
Investigators have conducted numerous interviews with witnesses and are reviewing video and other evidence from the scene, including livestream footage of the game captured by spectators and broadcast online.
Official and Community Responses
Local officials expressed shock and sorrow following the shooting. Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee released a statement offering thoughts and prayers for the victims, families, and community affected by the tragedy. Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien also called the event a terrible tragedy that has deeply impacted the city and all those present.
U.S. Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island described the shooting as a horrific tragedy and thanked first responders for their swift action. Local schools and organizations have offered counseling and mental health support to students, families, and community members affected by the incident.
Sports organizations, including professional teams like the Providence Bruins and local school athletic programs, issued statements offering support and sympathy to those affected and commended emergency personnel.
Context: Gun Violence in Rhode Island
The Pawtucket shooting marks one of the most devastating mass shootings in Rhode Island in recent memory. It comes on the heels of another deadly shooting in the state less than two months earlier at Brown University in Providence, where a gunman killed two students and injured nine others before later dying from a self-inflicted wound.
These back-to-back incidents have intensified local and national discussions about gun violence, public safety, mental health resources, and security at community events.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are continuing the investigation into the shooting, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing video footage. While they have classified the incident as a domestic-related act of violence linked to a family dispute, full details about the motive have not been made public. Police continue to work with multiple agencies to piece together the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
Officials have reiterated that there is no continuing threat to the public and have urged residents to remain calm while the investigation proceeds.
Impact on the Pawtucket Community
The shooting has left a deep impact on Pawtucket and the surrounding Rhode Island communities. The local schools involved confirmed that all students present at the arena were accounted for and safe. Nevertheless, families and players are grappling with trauma after witnessing the violence firsthand.
Counseling and support services have been mobilized to help families, students, and others affected by the shooting cope with the emotional aftermath. Community leaders have emphasized the importance of healing and unity in the wake of the tragedy.
Calls for improved safety protocols at public events and more accessible mental health resources have been raised by both officials and advocacy groups in response to the violence.
Conclusion
The Rhode Island shooter incident at the Pawtucket high school hockey game on February 16, 2026, stands as a painful reminder of how quickly violence can erupt in everyday settings and devastate families and communities. As investigation continues and support efforts grow, the people affected by this tragedy seek healing and answers in the days ahead.
What are your thoughts on the Pawtucket shooting and its impact? Share your comments below or stay tuned for updates as this story evolves.
