Three Dead and Three Critically Wounded Following Targeted Shooting at Rhode Island Youth Hockey Game

A targeted shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Rhode Island results in three fatalities and three critical injuries. Authorities cite a family dispute as the motive.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 17, 2026, 6:43 AM EST

Source: Information for this report was sourced from AP News

Violence Erupts at Dennis M. Lynch Arena

The city of Pawtucket was shaken on Monday afternoon when gunfire broke out during a youth hockey event. The Dennis M. Lynch Arena which is located just outside Providence became the scene of a mass casualty event as families gathered to watch high school aged players. Witnesses described a chaotic environment where players dove for cover and spectators fled the stands after hearing several popping sounds. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local sports community which typically views the arena as a safe space for youth development.

Casualties and Current Victim Status

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed that the shooting left three people dead. Among the deceased were two adults and the shooter. In addition to the fatalities three other victims were rushed to nearby hospitals where they remain in critical condition as of Monday night. Medical teams are working to stabilize the survivors while police have withheld the identities of the victims pending notification of their next of kin. The scale of the tragedy has strained local emergency services and hospital resources in the Providence metropolitan area.

Intervention and Shooter Identification

The shooter has been identified by authorities as Robert Dorgan who also utilized the name Roberta Esposito. Records indicate Dorgan was born in $1969$. Police reported that the shooter died from an apparent self inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. Chief Goncalves praised the actions of an unidentified individual who intervened during the attack attempting to subdue the gunman and prevent further loss of life. This intervention is credited with bringing a swift end to the violence before police arrived in force to secure the facility.