Police identify suspect in Rhode Island ice rink shooting

February 17, 2026

A shooting at a Rhode Island high school ice hockey game on Sunday left two people dead and three injured when a suspect, identified as Robert Dorgan (also known as Roberta Esposito), opened fire inside the Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket before apparently taking their own life. Police believe the incident was a targeted attack stemming from a family dispute rather than a random act of violence. The shooting occurred while players were actively competing on the ice, causing widespread panic as teams, families, and spectators fled the arena.

Who is affected

Two deceased victims (identities not disclosed in article)
Three injured victims
Robert Dorgan/Roberta Esposito (suspect, deceased)
High school hockey players from both teams on the ice
Families and spectators at the game, including Melissa Dunn and her son
Olin Lawrence, a high school hockey player who was on the ice
A bystander who intervened
The Pawtucket community and Rhode Island residents more broadly

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are stated in the article beyond the completed police identification of the suspect and the chief's statements about the investigation's preliminary findings.

Why it matters

This shooting represents another tragic incident of gun violence affecting a community gathering, specifically targeting families and young people at a youth sporting event. The incident highlights the vulnerability of public spaces and the psychological trauma inflicted on children and families who witnessed the violence. As Rhode Island's second major shooting in recent months (following the December Brown University incident), it underscores ongoing concerns about gun violence and public safety in the state.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC