On February 16, 2026, a targeted shooting shattered the atmosphere at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, during a high school ice hockey game on what was meant to be a celebratory “senior night.”
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves identified the suspect as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also went by the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgan. Authorities described Dorgan as transgender and confirmed he died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after opening fire in the stands.
The incident was not random: police stated it stemmed from a family dispute. Dorgan allegedly killed two family members—his ex-wife (the mother of his son, who was playing in the game) and his son—while critically injuring three others, including additional relatives and a family friend. No players or students on the ice were harmed, though panicked spectators, including athletes in full gear, fled to safety or barricaded themselves.
A brave bystander intervened, attempting to subdue Dorgan, which authorities believe prevented even greater loss of life. Multiple firearms were recovered from the scene.
Court records from around 2020–2021, cited in media reports, reveal prior family tensions linked to Dorgan’s gender transition, mental health concerns, and a divorce finalized in 2021. While these elements were part of long-standing conflicts, police have not officially confirmed them as the direct motive, and the investigation continues.
Dorgan had worked at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Maine, where the company expressed condolences to those affected.
The Rhode Island Interscholastic League paused games in the wake of the tragedy. This event underscores the devastating reach of domestic violence when it erupts in public, leaving a community in mourning and witnesses—including young athletes—traumatized by the sudden horror amid what should have been a joyful family gathering.
SOURCES:
3 dead in Pawtucket RI’s HS hockey game at Dennis Lynch Arena – NBC Boston
Multiple people shot at Pawtucket, RI Ice Rink; suspect dead | Fox News
Police ID Pawtucket shooter; 2 killed, 3 hospitalized | WPRI.com
Pawtucket ice rink shooter identified, two killed: Live updates today
2 killed, gunman dead, in shooting at Rhode Island high school hockey game
