Pawtucket, Rhode Island – A shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena on Monday, February 16, 2026, left three people dead, including the suspected shooter, and three others critically injured. Authorities have identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan, who as well went by Roberta Esposito, and confirmed the victims included his ex-wife and one of their sons. The incident, which occurred during a high school hockey game, is being investigated as a targeted act stemming from a family dispute.
The shooting unfolded around 2:30 p.m. Local time, prompting a swift response from Pawtucket Police, who arrived at the scene in under two minutes, according to Police Chief Tina Goncalves. The arena, a hub for youth and high school hockey in the region, was immediately placed on lockdown. The game involved two co-op high school teams, and the shooting cast a pall over senior night celebrations.
Details of the Incident
Police have stated the shooting appears to be a targeted event, likely motivated by a family dispute. Chief Goncalves indicated investigators have interviewed approximately 100 witnesses as of Monday night to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. The three injured individuals were transported to local hospitals in critical condition as of Tuesday morning, according to NBC 10 News.
The suspect, Robert Dorgan, born in 1969, was also found dead at the scene, apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. CBS News reports that a Good Samaritan intervened during the shooting, potentially limiting the extent of the tragedy.
Suspect’s Background and Motives
Authorities have revealed that the suspect was the father of a North Providence senior who was participating in the hockey game. The Associated Press reported that the shooter targeted his ex-wife and one son. Further investigation has revealed that the suspect’s gender identity was a factor in past family disputes, as detailed in court records, according to WPRI.com. However, the full extent of this connection to the shooting remains under investigation.
Community Response and Vigil
The shooting has deeply impacted the local community. A vigil was held Tuesday night for the victims, drawing student hockey players and other members of the community. The Dennis M. Lynch Arena remained taped off Tuesday as police continued their investigation. Professional sports teams from Boston, including the Bruins, Celtics, Red Sox, and Patriots, expressed their condolences and heartbreak over the incident, as reported by CBS News.
Federal agents from the ATF and FBI responded to assist state and local law enforcement at the scene. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather information and interview witnesses.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the impact of domestic disputes and the importance of addressing mental health concerns. As the community mourns, the focus now shifts to supporting the families affected and understanding the full circumstances that led to this tragic event.
The Pawtucket Police Department has not released the names of the victims, pending notification of family members. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or domestic violence, resources are available. Please reach out for support.
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