Rhode Island shooting at Pawtucket ice rink leaves three dead, three critically injured
Three people, including the suspected shooter, were killed and three others were critically wounded during a shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket on Monday afternoon, law enforcement. The incident unfolded during a high school hockey game that was being livestreamed, sending panicked spectators and players scrambling for safety.
What happened at the arena
Police received a report of gunfire at about 2: 30 p. m. ET on February 16, 2026, and officers arrived at the arena in under two minutes, the police chief said. Multiple shots rang out while a co-op high school hockey game was in progress. Video captured by viewers of the livestream shows people fleeing and players rushing across the ice to find shelter; none of the players were struck by gunfire.
Witnesses described the initial confusion as loud pops that were at first mistaken for celebratory noises. One player, Olin Lawrence of Coventry, said he initially thought the sounds were balloons but quickly realized they were gunshots. Teams moved to locker rooms and huddled behind doors as the situation unfolded.
Victims, suspect and investigation
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves identified the suspected shooter as Robert Dorgan, also known as Roberta Esposito. Three people at the scene were confirmed dead, including the suspect, and three people were taken to hospitals in critical condition. The names and ages of the victims have not been released while investigators work to notify family members.
The chief said the events appear to have stemmed from a family dispute. Officers recovered firearms at the scene, and initial investigative findings indicate the suspect died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound; police say they did not fire the fatal shot. Investigators have interviewed roughly 100 witnesses as they piece together the motive and timeline.
Authorities highlighted the actions of a Good Samaritan who intervened and attempted to subdue the shooter, which officials credited with helping to bring a swift end to the violence. Multiple recordings captured by viewers and attendees are now part of the probe and are being reviewed by investigators.
Community response and next steps
The shooting has left the local community reeling, with families and spectators stunned after what should have been an ordinary school sporting event. Nearby businesses temporarily shut their doors as emergency crews secured the area and conducted interviews. Officials urged anyone with additional video or information to contact investigators to assist with the ongoing inquiry.
Law enforcement emphasized that their work is not complete: forensic examinations are underway, and authorities will continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing digital evidence. The state medical examiner will determine official causes of death. Police also stressed plans to coordinate with local school officials and crisis counselors to support students, families and first responders affected by the violence.
This remains an active investigation. Police expect to release further details as family notifications are completed and as more information becomes available.
