A shooting incident at a youth ice hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, has resulted in multiple casualties, prompting a widespread investigation into the motives and circumstances surrounding the violence. The event, which occurred during a high school game at the local arena, has cast a somber shadow over the community and drawn national attention. Authorities are working to understand the sequence of events that led to the fatal confrontation.
Sources indicate that the incident unfolded within the stands of the arena during a hockey match. Initial reports suggest that a gunman opened fire, striking several individuals before taking his own life. The violence occurred in front of witnesses, many of whom were present to support the young athletes. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, and multiple victims were transported for medical attention, with some in critical condition.
Timeline and Immediate Aftermath
The shooting took place at an indoor rink during a high school hockey game. This context places the event within a setting typically associated with youth sports and community gatherings.
Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene, with individuals attempting to provide aid to the injured. One witness reported seeing CPR being administered.
Law enforcement and medical personnel responded rapidly to the location. The area was secured as an investigation commenced.
Individuals Involved
Reports have identified the suspected gunman as Robert Dorgan, who authorities say identified as a woman and used the name Roberta Esposito.
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The primary victims are understood to be related to the shooter.
Initial reports suggested the shooter targeted his wife and their three children. However, details on the exact relationship of all victims to the shooter are still being pieced together.
The shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police.
Investigation into Motive
Authorities are treating the shooting as a "family-related incident" and are exploring potential motives.
One line of inquiry focuses on a possible "family dispute." This suggests that pre-existing tensions or conflicts may have preceded the violent act.
Court documents, cited by external reports, mention a divorce involving the shooter. These documents allegedly include claims of "narcissistic personality disorder traits" by the shooter's ex-wife.
Further external reports reference alleged threats made by the shooter's father-in-law, reportedly concerning the shooter's gender identity. This information, if substantiated, could indicate that the shooter's transgender identity was a factor in the alleged threats.
Eyewitness and Familial Accounts
A woman, identifying herself as the daughter of the shooter, spoke to local media outlets. She stated that her father was the individual responsible for the shooting.
This individual also described her father as "very sick." This statement, while subjective, suggests a perception of the shooter's mental state prior to the incident.
Some external reports mention the shooter was allegedly dressed in women's clothing at the time of the incident. This detail is noted within the context of the shooter's transgender identification.
Community Impact
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Pawtucket community, a region known for its engagement in youth sports. The sudden eruption of violence at a local event has disrupted the sense of safety and normalcy. The incident underscores the broader societal concerns that can emerge from seemingly ordinary community activities when extreme violence occurs.
Expert Analysis
Law enforcement officials have emphasized their commitment to a thorough and objective investigation, seeking to confirm all facts before drawing definitive conclusions about the motive.
Societal observers have noted the recurring themes of domestic disputes and mental health challenges that often intersect with acts of violence. The reporting of the shooter's transgender identity within some media outlets has also sparked discussions about how gender identity is portrayed in relation to violent crime.
Conclusion
The Pawtucket hockey game shooting represents a tragic event with multifaceted layers requiring careful investigation. Law enforcement is diligently working to ascertain the precise sequence of events, the identities of all victims, and the underlying motives.
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The confirmed fatalities include two individuals, with three others sustaining critical injuries.
The shooter died by suicide.
Investigators are examining all potential factors, including personal relationships and the shooter's personal history.
Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses and more evidence is collected and analyzed by the Pawtucket Police Department and relevant state agencies.
Sources:
Brave: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/02/16/hockey-shooting-pawtucket-rhode-island/ (Summary indicates a shooting at a hockey game with multiple casualties and the shooter's self-inflicted death.)
Marca: https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/us-news/2026/02/17/6993b50bca4741a2028b45f6.html (Summary describes a shooting at a youth hockey event, potential family dispute, and identifies the shooter.)
PJ Media: https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2026/02/16/breaking-hockey-game-shooter-identified-as-transgender-n4949590 (Summary states the shooter identified as transgender and references divorce papers and alleged threats from the father-in-law.)
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