A devastating act of gun violence shattered a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, leaving two people dead and three others critically injured. The incident, which unfolded at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, involved a targeted attack believed to stem from a complex family dispute. Authorities have identified the suspect, Robert Dorgan, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene, as the perpetrator. This tragic event has profoundly impacted the Pawtucket community and reignited urgent conversations about gun violence and domestic disputes in public spaces.
A Devastating Scene Unfolds in Pawtucket
Monday, February 16, 2026, began as a celebration: “senior night” for a high school hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena. The atmosphere quickly turned to terror when shots rang out, sparking chaos among players and spectators. Eyewitnesses described initial confusion, mistaking the loud noises for skates hitting boards. Melissa Dunn, a mother whose son played in one of the games, recounted screaming for her child to duck. Her frantic search led her back into the arena, where she witnessed paramedics performing CPR amidst the stands—a truly disturbing sight.
High school player Olin Lawrence, on the ice during the gunfire, quickly ran to the locker room for safety. He and his teammates pressed against the door, gripped by fear as multiple shots echoed. The scene was one of widespread panic as teams scrambled to evacuate the facility. This sudden eruption of violence left an indelible mark on everyone present. The arena, typically a hub of community sports, became the site of an unthinkable tragedy, just five miles north of Providence, the state capital.
The Victims and the Targeted Attack
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed the two deceased victims were the suspect’s ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their adult son, Aidan Dorgan. Both lost their lives in the targeted assault. Additionally, three other individuals sustained critical injuries, including Rhonda Dorgan’s parents and a family friend. All three were rushed to the hospital in critical condition, fighting for their lives. Their family released a statement through an online fundraiser, emphasizing the unimaginable loss and the ongoing battle for their loved ones’ recovery. The entire Dorgan family has been “forever changed” by these horrific events.
Unraveling the Motive: A Family Dispute at its Core
Chief Goncalves stated that the shooting appeared to be a family dispute. Investigators found the suspect, Robert Dorgan, also known as Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgan, dead inside the arena from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Dorgan was an employee of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, a naval contractor. Police are actively investigating the precise motive behind the violence, sifting through thousands of Dorgan’s social media posts for clues. They are working to construct a comprehensive timeline leading up to the incident. The chief acknowledged Dorgan’s gender identity but emphasized it was not swaying the investigation at this point.
A History of Conflict: Court Records Surface
Court documents shed light on a tumultuous history within the Dorgan family, indicating years of escalating tensions. Rhonda Dorgan filed for divorce from Robert Dorgan, 56, in February 2020. Her initial petition cited “gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic + personality disorder traits” as grounds. These details were later crossed out and replaced with “irreconcilable differences” before the divorce finalized in 2021. This paperwork suggests Dorgan’s gender identity was a significant point of contention.
Further records from 2020 revealed Dorgan filed a police report alleging his father-in-law threatened to have him killed. Dorgan claimed his father-in-law used a derogatory term for transgender people, demanding he move out after Dorgan’s gender reassignment surgery. Although the father-in-law faced charges, the case was later dismissed. Another incident in 2020 involved Dorgan accusing his mother of assault, leading to charges that were also dismissed. These recurring disputes highlight a deeply fractured family dynamic.
Law Enforcement Response and Community Impact
Police recovered two legally owned firearms from the scene: a Glock 10mm pistol and a SIG Sauer P226. Chief Goncalves lauded a bystander, a “Good Samaritan,” for “stepping in and interjecting,” crediting this brave intervention with likely bringing a swift end to the tragic event. This heroic act prevented further potential harm. Federal agents from the ATF and FBI swiftly joined state and local law enforcement in the extensive investigation, assisting with evidence collection and witness interviews. Authorities have spoken with dozens of witnesses, many of whom were families watching the game when gunfire erupted.
Rhode Island Mourns: Official and Public Reactions
The Pawtucket community and the entire state of Rhode Island have expressed profound grief. Governor Dan McKee remarked, “Our state is grieving again,” referencing a prior shooting at Brown University. He conveyed heartbreak for the victims and their families. His administration committed to providing crucial mental health resources, urging those in need to utilize the 988 hotline. Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien described the city as being “in mourning.” He announced a partnership with state and attorney general’s offices to establish a 211 hotline for counseling and referrals. Grief counseling services became available at the Blackstone Valley Visitor’s Center.
The Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL) responded by temporarily suspending all interscholastic games statewide. This pause allowed for reflection on the senseless violence, especially as high school sports neared playoffs. Nearby professional sports teams, including the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, and New England Patriots, shared their profound sympathy, stating they were “heartbroken” and “devastated” by the tragedy.
The Broader Shadow of Gun Violence
This horrific event at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena underscores the pervasive issue of gun violence in the United States, even in seemingly safe public spaces like a high school sports venue. The targeting of individuals within a family dispute amplifies the complex challenges of domestic violence and its potential to spill into public life with devastating consequences. Such incidents leave deep scars on communities, prompting renewed calls for comprehensive solutions to prevent future tragedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What occurred at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena on February 16, 2026?
On Monday, February 16, 2026, a tragic shooting took place during a high school hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The suspect, Robert Dorgan, opened fire, killing his ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their adult son, Aidan Dorgan. Three other individuals—Rhonda Dorgan’s parents and a family friend—were critically injured. The suspect subsequently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
What was the suspected motive behind the Pawtucket hockey rink shooting?
Authorities, including Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, have characterized the shooting as a “targeted” event stemming from a “family dispute.” Court documents and police reports reveal a history of conflict involving the suspect, Robert Dorgan, and his relatives, particularly around his divorce and gender identity. While investigators are still confirming a definitive motive, past legal disputes and allegations between family members appear to be a central factor.
What resources are available for those impacted by the Rhode Island ice rink shooting?
In response to the tragedy, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee and Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien announced several support initiatives. These include mental health resources accessible via the 988 hotline and a dedicated 211 hotline for counseling and referral services. Grief counseling has also been made available at the Blackstone Valley Visitor’s Center, provided by Family Service of Rhode Island, the RI Medical Reserve Corps – Trauma Response Team, and the American Red Cross, offering crucial support to the grieving community.
Conclusion: A Community United in Grief and Resilience
The Pawtucket hockey shooting represents an unimaginable tragedy for the Dorgan family and the entire Rhode Island community. It highlights the devastating impact of gun violence, especially when it stems from deep-seated domestic disputes. As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families, aiding the recovery of the injured, and providing crucial mental health resources to all affected. This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing dialogue and proactive measures to prevent such senseless acts of violence in our communities.
