A shooting during a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, prompting a detailed investigation into the events. Authorities are currently examining the relationships between the involved parties as they seek to understand the impetus behind the violence.
The incident occurred on a Monday afternoon at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena. Police responded to reports of an active shooter around 2:30 p.m.
Circumstances of the Incident
The shooting took place during a high school boys' hockey game. Reports indicate students from different schools were playing on the same team.
Fatalities: Three individuals were killed, including the shooter, Robert Dorgan.
Injuries: Three other individuals sustained critical injuries and were hospitalized.
Location: Dennis M. Lynch Arena, Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Time: Approximately 2:30 p.m. on a Monday.
Investigation and Emerging Details
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves has been leading the investigation. While details are still being gathered, preliminary findings and lines of inquiry are emerging.
Read More: Shooting at Hockey Game in Pawtucket
Suspect Identified: The shooter was identified as Robert Dorgan. Police stated they had no prior interactions with him.
Motive Under Scrutiny: Investigators are reportedly focusing on a potential family motive. The exact nature of this focus remains under review.
Witnesses and Evidence: Authorities are reviewing video footage from the game and speaking with witnesses to piece together the sequence of events.
No Active Threat: Law enforcement has confirmed there is no ongoing active threat to the public.
Victims' Status
The two victims killed in the shooting were adults. One was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other died after being transported to a hospital. The three injured individuals remain in critical condition.
Community Impact
The shooting occurred in a public venue, interrupting a sporting event. Families and students present were visibly distressed, with tearful embraces observed as players were escorted from the area. State officials have expressed concern over the incident as another instance of gun violence.
Law Enforcement Response
Multiple agencies, including the Pawtucket Police Department and the ATF Boston field office, responded to the scene. Providence Police officers also provided assistance.
Expert Analysis
The investigation's focus on family dynamics suggests a potential personal dispute or connection between the shooter and the victims that predates the game. Understanding this relationship is crucial for establishing a clear motive.
The speed at which the shooter was identified and the confirmation of no prior police contact imply that the event may have stemmed from an immediate, rather than a prolonged, escalatory situation.
Conclusion
The shooting at the Pawtucket hockey arena has resulted in significant loss of life and critical injuries. Law enforcement is actively pursuing leads, with a particular emphasis on a potential family motive to explain the perpetrator's actions. The investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on corroborating witness accounts and analyzing collected evidence to provide a comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired.
Sources Used
CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/shooting-pawtucket-rhode-island-hockey-rink/ - Provides initial reports on the number of killed and injured, suspect identification, and the location.
USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/02/16/pawtucket-rhode-island-shooting/88708623007/ - Confirms fatalities and injuries, and the timing of the event at a youth hockey game.
Associated Press (AP) via AP News: https://apnews.com/article/pawtucket-hockey-rink-shooting-rhode-island-c8ac3e8067ce2f2ce07e4d98009ecdaa - Details the number of dead (including the shooter) and wounded, and the location at Lynch Arena.
NBC News: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/shooting-rhode-island-ice-rink-pawtucket-victims-rcna259266 - Reports on the police response time, chief's statements regarding prior interactions with the suspect, and victim status.
PBS NewsHour: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/3-killed-including-suspect-in-shooting-at-rhode-island-hockey-rink-police-say - Corroborates the total number of fatalities (including the suspect) and critically injured victims, and the location.
CNN: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/02/16/us/pawtucket-rhode-island-shooting - Describes the interruption of the hockey game, the number of casualties, and assistance from other police departments.
Read More: Shooting at Rhode Island Hockey Game Leaves Three Dead
