Shooting at Pawtucket Ice Rink Leaves Three Dead

A shooting happened at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on February 16, 2026. Three people died, including the shooter. Police think it was caused by a family problem.
By Newsroom | Crime, Rhode Island |

The afternoon of February 16, 2026, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was shattered by a violent incident at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena. A shooting occurred during a high school hockey game, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. The rapid response of local law enforcement established a perimeter, and investigations quickly pointed towards a targeted attack, possibly linked to a family dispute. The suspected shooter is deceased, having apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Rhode Island Shooting Horror: Suspect Used Multiple Guns and Died — Who Was His True Target? - 1

Incident Details and Immediate Aftermath

The events unfolded around 2:30 p.m. local time during a hockey match between two co-op teams. Witnesses reported hearing a burst of approximately 13 shots fired in quick succession. Panicked players and spectators rushed to escape the arena. Emergency services arrived on the scene within minutes, and Rhode Island Hospital was placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure.

Read More: Former Rugby Player Matt Utai Shot in Sydney

Rhode Island Shooting Horror: Suspect Used Multiple Guns and Died — Who Was His True Target? - 2

  • Fatalities: Initial reports indicate at least three individuals died, including the suspected shooter.

  • Injuries: Three other individuals sustained critical injuries and were hospitalized.

  • Location: The incident occurred at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.

Identification of Suspect and Possible Motives

Law enforcement officials, including Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, have identified the suspected gunman. While early reports were unfolding, some sources indicated the shooter may have used multiple names, including Robert Dorgan and Roberta Esposito.

Rhode Island Shooting Horror: Suspect Used Multiple Guns and Died — Who Was His True Target? - 3

"Police chief identifies hockey game shooter Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan." - Article 2

"Officials said the suspect also used the name Roberta Esposito." - Article 7

Authorities are examining the violence as potentially being tied to a family dispute. One source suggested the gunman targeted his wife and children.

Read More: Shooting at Rhode Island Hockey Game Kills Two, Hurts Three

Rhode Island Shooting Horror: Suspect Used Multiple Guns and Died — Who Was His True Target? - 4

"A source told Fox News that the gunman shot his wife and their three children before turning the gun on himself." - Article 6

"Police identify suspected gunman who targeted family members in Rhode Island hockey rink shooting which killed two" - Article 11

Evidence and Ongoing Investigation

Investigators have retrieved firearms from the scene. Video footage acquired from a service that livestreams sports events captured audio of the rapid gunfire and showed the chaotic aftermath.

  • Ballistics: Multiple firearms were recovered at the scene.

  • Audio-Visual Evidence: Livestreamed video documented the sounds of the shooting and the ensuing panic.

  • Witness Accounts: Statements from witnesses and individuals identifying themselves as relatives of the shooter are being reviewed.

Conflicting Details and Inquiries

While the general sequence of events is established, some details remain under active inquiry. The exact number of individuals shot and the specific sequence of events leading to the shooter's death are being clarified.

Read More: Former Rugby Player Matt Utai Hurt in Sydney Shooting

  • Victim Identification: Officials have not yet released the names of the victims killed in the incident.

  • Shooter's Actions: The extent of the shooter's actions against his family, if confirmed, is being investigated, with some reports detailing the shooting of his wife and children before his death.

  • Conflicting Victim Counts: While most reports confirm three fatalities (including the shooter), one early report mentioned "at least three people are dead and three more hospitalized" (Article 3), and another noted "two victims were killed and three others were critically injured" before later confirming three fatalities (Article 7, Article 8).

Expert and Official Commentary

Officials have stressed the targeted nature of the attack.

"Police say the violence appears targeted, possibly tied to a family dispute, as investigators gather details." - Article 5

"Goncalves said the shooting appears a family dispute led to the violence." - Article 9

Conclusion and Next Steps

The shooting at the Lynch Arena on February 16, 2026, represents a significant act of violence with a confirmed three fatalities, including the suspected shooter, and three individuals critically injured. Investigations are focusing on a suspected family dispute as a potential motive. Law enforcement continues to gather evidence, review witness statements, and analyze available footage to fully reconstruct the events and confirm the identities of all involved.

Read More: Three Dead After Shooting at Pawtucket Arena

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened at the Pawtucket ice rink?
A shooting occurred during a hockey game on February 16, 2026. Three people died, including the suspected shooter.
Q: Who was involved?
The shooting happened at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena. Police believe the shooter targeted family members.
Q: What is the suspected reason for the shooting?
Police are investigating if a family dispute led to the violence.
Q: How many people were hurt?
Three people died in the shooting. Three others were injured and taken to the hospital.