A typical Monday afternoon at a Rhode Island ice rink should have been all about cheers, skates scraping the ice, and families celebrating young athletes. Instead, it became the site of a heartbreaking tragedy that left everyone reeling. On February 16, 2026, during a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, a gunman opened fire, turning a joyful Senior Night event into a scene of fear and loss.
Three people died, including the shooter, and three others ended up in critical condition at the hospital. Police quickly labeled it a targeted family dispute, not a random attack. The incident has shaken the local community, from parents and players to officials across the state.
The game pitted the Coventry-Johnston co-op team against the Blackstone Valley co-op, which draws players from schools like St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, North Providence High School, and North Smithfield High School. Spectators filled the stands at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, ready to honor the seniors. But around 2:30 p.m., everything changed in seconds.
The Moment Chaos Erupted
Witnesses recall the first sounds as confusing pops, like balloons bursting or players banging skates on the boards. Then reality hit. The shooter fired at least 11 rounds in quick succession from the stands, targeting specific people amid the crowd. Players on the ice dropped to the surface or dashed for the benches, while families scrambled for exits. Some barricaded themselves in locker rooms, hearts pounding as they waited for help.
A livestream of the game captured the raw panic. Viewers saw skaters abandon the rink mid-play, equipment left behind in the rush. One father in the stands stepped in to try and stop the gunman, grappling with him briefly. But the shooter had a second weapon and turned it on himself soon after.
Police arrived within minutes, securing the area and confirming no further threats. Emergency crews performed CPR on victims right there in the bleachers, a sight that left many in shock. The arena, usually a hub for community fun, transformed into a secured crime scene. Nearby, frightened kids and adults fled to a Walgreens store, where employees locked the doors and called 911.
Details on the Suspect and Victims
Authorities have identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan, 56, who also went by Roberta Esposito. Dorgan attended the game to watch a family member, a senior from North Providence High School, play. Described as a biological male who identified as transgender, Dorgan targeted his own family in what police called a domestic dispute. The attack focused on his wife and three children, all present in the stands.
Two victims died from their injuries. One was a young girl who passed away at the scene, and another family member succumbed later at the hospital. The three survivors are in critical condition, fighting for recovery. Officials have not released names out of respect for the families, but they confirmed all victims were related to Dorgan. The shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, classifying the event as a suspected murder-suicide.
Eyewitness Accounts from the Rink
Those who were there shared stories that highlight the terror. Melissa Dunn, a mom whose sophomore son played goalie for one team, was in the stands when the shots started. She yelled for her son to get down, then raced back into the rink after evacuating to find him safe. Dunn described seeing responders giving CPR, a moment that stuck with her amid the chaos.
Olin Lawrence, a player from Coventry Public Schools, was on the ice when the gunfire echoed. He ran to the locker room, pressing against the door with teammates to stay hidden. “It was scary,” Lawrence told reporters, noting the rapid succession of shots that left everyone nervous and unsure.
Other accounts painted similar pictures. Parents hugged their kids tightly outside the arena, many still in uniforms as they boarded buses for reunification at police headquarters. One player mentioned abandoning gear in the rush, while spectators recalled the initial confusion turning to full panic.
How the Community Is Responding
The ripple effects hit hard across Rhode Island. Schools involved in the co-op teams acted fast. Coventry Public Schools Superintendent Don Cowart emailed families that all students were safe and accounted for, with police and staff on hand for support. Providence Country Day School’s head, Kevin Folan, expressed shock and offered counseling services to students, parents, and staff who witnessed the horror.
Local leaders have voiced their grief. Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien called it a “terrible tragedy” that stole joy from a community event, urging residents to stand together. Governor Dan McKee monitored the situation closely, praising the law enforcement response while sending prayers to those affected. U.S. Senator Jack Reed echoed the sentiment, labeling it a “horrific tragedy” and commending the quick actions that contained the violence.
Mental health resources rolled out immediately for players, families, and witnesses. The incident, coming just months after another shooting at Brown University, sparked talks about safety at youth sports venues.
Hockey fans and parents statewide shared condolences, many reflecting on how such events disrupt the innocence of games meant for fun and growth. As investigations continue, the focus shifts to healing for a tight-knit community forever changed by one afternoon’s events.
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