Rhode Island Ice Rink Shooting: Three Dead, Three Injured in Family Dispute
Police in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, have confirmed that a shooting at a high school hockey game on Monday afternoon, February 16, 2026, resulted in three fatalities and three injuries. The incident, which occurred at the Dennis M Lynch Arena ice rink, is believed to be a targeted event linked to a family dispute, according to officials.
Suspect Identified and Details of the Incident
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves stated during a news conference that the suspect, identified as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, entered the arena to watch a family member's hockey game. During the event, a shooting unfolded, with Goncalves noting that it appears to have been a targeted incident stemming from a family dispute. The suspect was among the three people who died, likely from a self-inflicted gunshot, and police were not involved in his death.
Local media reports indicate that one of the victims was the suspect's son, a detail supported by North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi in an interview with NBC 10 News. The names of the victims have not been released as the investigation remains ongoing.
Eyewitness Accounts and Response
The shooting was reportedly captured during a livestream of the game, with NBC News verifying a video that showed a series of roughly a dozen shots being heard. The video has since been removed from online platforms. One player, Olin Lawrence, described the terrifying moments to NBC, initially mistaking the gunshots for balloons before realizing the danger.
Lawrence recounted how he and his teammates ran to the locker room to seek safety, emphasizing the fear they experienced. In response to the incident, the Rhode Island Interscholastic League suspended all games, and Governor Dan McKee expressed devastation, offering mental health resources to those affected.
Community Impact and Investigation
Governor McKee, in a statement, highlighted his grief as a parent, former coach, and governor, praying for the victims and the Rhode Island community. Police Chief Goncalves credited a person at the game who intervened by attempting to subdue the suspect, which helped end the incident quickly. The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the full details of this tragic event.
