Pawtucket, Rhode Island: Screams echoed through the Dennis M. Lynch Arena Monday afternoon as spectators and players ducked for cover when rapid gunfire erupted during a high school boys’ hockey game, turning a routine local matchup into a scene of chaos.
Police confirmed that two individuals were killed and three others remain in critical condition following the shooting. Authorities identified the suspected gunman as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also used the name Roberta Esposito. Officials said the suspect died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said early findings indicate the attack was targeted and appears linked to a family dispute. Investigators have not yet released the identities of the victims while families are being notified.
JUST IN - 2 killed, including the suspect, and 4 hospitalized after a shooting during a school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island — WPRIpic.twitter.com/oC0TdP2tBG
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) February 16, 2026
The incident occurred while teams from several regional schools were competing in a scheduled hockey game, with hundreds of spectators present inside the arena. Video from the live broadcast captured what witnesses described as roughly 13 shots fired within seconds before a final shot was heard moments later, triggering panic as players and fans rushed toward exits and locker rooms.
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including Rhode Island State Police and federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, responded to the scene as emergency crews transported victims to nearby hospitals.
Authorities continue to interview witnesses and examine evidence as they work to determine the sequence of events leading to the shooting. Officials urged anyone with information or additional video footage from inside the arena to contact investigators as the case remains under active investigation.
