3 killed in Rhode Island ice rink shooting

2 min readUpdated: Feb 17, 2026 09:42 AM Three people were killed and at least three others injured during a shooting at an ice rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in the US on Monday. The shooting occurred during a high school hockey game, authorities said. Police described the incident as stemming from a “family dispute” and said the suspected gunman later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The shooting occurred at the Dennis M Lynch Arena ice rink while a game between Coventry and Blackstone Valley school teams was underway, Fox News reported.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves told reporters that the victims included family members and a family friend. At least one of those killed was a woman, while another victim died later in hospital due to injuries sustained in the shooting. Three others remain injured, including one who is hospitalised.
Who was the Rhode Island shooter?
Police identified the suspect the name Robert Dorgan, noting that the individual also used the name Roberta and the surname Esposito. Authorities did not provide further details about the motive beyond describing the incident as a domestic-related dispute.
Goncalves said a stander intervened during the shooting, which may have contributed to bringing the episode to a swift end.
Coventry Public Schools Superintendent Don Cowart said all students from the Coventry Boys Hockey team present at the arena were accounted for and safe. Drict officials coordinated with law enforcement after being alerted to the situation, he said.
The FBI’s Boston office confirmed it responded to the scene and was prepared to ass local authorities if required.Story continues below this ad
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee said his office was monitoring developments and expressed condolences to those affected. The Providence Bruins hockey team also issued a statement expressing support for the community.
Authorities said investigations were ongoing.
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