Suspect Identified in Rhode Island High School Hockey Game Shooting That Left 2 Dead, 3 in Critical Condition
- - Suspect Identified in Rhode Island High School Hockey Game Shooting That Left 2 Dead, 3 in Critical Condition
Becca LongmireFebruary 17, 2026 at 3:56 AM
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People near the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on Feb. 16, 2026
Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty
Multiple people were struck after a shooter opened fire at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, R.I., on Monday, Feb. 16, during a high school hockey game
Police have identified the suspected shooter as Robert Dorgan, who also goes by the name Roberta
Dorgan was allegedly at the arena to watch their son play hockey when the incident unfolded due to a "family dispute"
The suspected shooter who opened fire at a high school hockey game in Rhode Island, killing two victims and seriously wounding three others, has been identified by police.
On Monday, Feb. 16, at around 2:30 p.m. local time, Robert Dorgan, who also goes by the name Roberta, fired shots during their son's hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, according to CBS Rhode Island affiliate WPRI-TV. Police identified the suspected shooter following the incident.
The mother of the hockey player was killed at the rink, while his sibling died at the hospital, the station reported, citing multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation.
As well as the two victims, the suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene, according to ABC News.
A family friend and two other family members were also injured in the attack, per WPRI-TV.
A photo from the scene after a shooter opened fire at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on Feb. 16, 2026
Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty
While speaking to reporters on Monday, Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said that the three injured in the attack remain in critical condition, according to a clip shared by WBZ-TV's CBS Boston.
She declined to disclose further information about the victims, per CBS News. Goncalves said that the shooter went to the arena on Monday to watch the hockey game, which a family member was playing in.
The police chief confirmed in a news conference that the incident is believed to have been a "family dispute" and "targeted event," per CBS Boston.
She praised a witness for helping amid the tragedy. "A Good Samaritan stepped in and interjected in this scene, and that's probably what led to a swift end of this tragic event," the police chief told reporters.
According to WPRI-TV, court records show that the suspected shooter had a history of family disputes and alleged conflicts over their gender identity.
A photo from the scene after a shooter opened fire at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on Feb. 16, 2026
AP Photo/Mark Stockwell
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The Pawtucket Police Department said of the shooting in a statement shared on Facebook, "The City of Pawtucket stands with those affected by the tragic shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena."
"We understand that many in our community are experiencing shock, fear, and anxiety due to this violence," police added.
"To support those impacted, the City is working with local partners and mental health professionals to provide counseling and support services. We encourage players, students, families, and staff to seek help during this difficult time," the statement concluded.
An infographic showing the location of the Pawtucket, Rhode Island shooting
Mehmet Yaren Bozgun/Anadolu via Getty
Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien called the incident "a terrible tragedy" in a statement released by the city on X on Monday.
"What should have been a joyful occasion, with dozens of families, students, and supporters gathered to celebrate Senior Night for the BVS (Blackstone Valley Schools) cooperative hockey team during a high school matchup against the Coventry-Johnston cooperative team, was instead marked by violence and fear," the statement read.
"Our prayers go out to the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this devastating incident," the mayor said, thanking first responders and public safety officials for their help amid the incident.
"Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning," Grebien insisted in the post. "We will stand together to support all those affected in the difficult days ahead, and we will keep the public as confirmed facts become available."
The Rhode Island Judiciary and the Pawtucket Police Department didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.
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