Pawtucket, Rhode Island — A deadly shooting disrupted a youth hockey game in Pawtucket on February 16, 2026, leaving two members of the same family dead, several others critically injured, and the suspected gunman also deceased. Authorities have classified the incident as a domestic-related, targeted attack rather than a random act of public violence.
The violence unfolded shortly after 2:30 p.m. inside Dennis M. Lynch Arena, where a high school boys’ hockey game was underway. According to the Pawtucket Police Department, the shooter opened fire on relatives who were seated in the spectator area during what had been a senior-night celebration.
Responding officers and emergency crews arrived within minutes and discovered several victims suffering from gunshot wounds in the stands. Police confirmed that Rhonda Dorgan, the former spouse of the suspect, was pronounced dead at the scene. Their adult son, Aidan Dorgan, was transported to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. Three additional people — identified as the former wife’s parents and a close family friend — were also struck by gunfire and were listed in critical condition following emergency treatment.
Investigators later located the shooter inside the arena, deceased from what officials described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Law enforcement has emphasized that no additional suspects are being sought and that there is no ongoing threat connected to the case.
During a briefing, Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves characterized the shooting as the result of a domestic dispute involving specific family members. She stated that the attack was not random and that those targeted were known to the suspect. Officers immediately secured the facility, evacuated spectators, and coordinated with first responders to provide life-saving aid to the wounded.
Detectives began a comprehensive investigation, collecting physical evidence, reviewing surveillance footage from the arena, and interviewing witnesses who were present during the incident. Authorities noted that there had been no prior warning signs pointing to an imminent attack at the event and that the suspect had no known history of violent incidents connected to public venues.
Court and public records reviewed by investigators indicate that the suspect had a documented history of long-standing family conflicts. Law enforcement sources said those disputes involved personal and legal matters and had resulted in earlier interactions with police. Previous court filings referenced ongoing tensions connected to family relationships and living arrangements, as well as issues related to the suspect’s gender identity. Officials stressed that these background details are being examined solely to help establish motive and context for the shooting.
The tragedy occurred in front of dozens of young athletes, parents, and community members who had gathered to celebrate the end of the hockey season. Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as spectators rushed for exits and players sought shelter inside the rink.
Local leaders, including Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien and Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee, released public statements expressing condolences to the victims’ families and praising the swift response of police and emergency personnel. State and local agencies also announced the availability of crisis counseling and victim-assistance services for students, families, and community members affected by the violence.
In the days following the shooting, the Rhode Island Interscholastic League temporarily suspended hockey games across the state to allow teams and communities time to mourn and recover.
Authorities confirmed that the investigation remains active. Forensic specialists continue to review ballistic evidence, scene measurements, and digital recordings to determine the precise sequence of events and clarify contributing factors. Police have reiterated that the shooting was a targeted family attack and not part of a broader public-safety threat.
The Pawtucket Police Department is urging anyone who recorded video or captured photographs inside or around the arena at the time of the incident to contact investigators. Officials say such material may be critical to completing the official timeline and ensuring that all facts surrounding the tragedy are accurately documented.
The Robert Dorgan shooting at Dennis M. Lynch Arena has deeply shaken the Pawtucket community, transforming what was meant to be a celebratory youth sporting event into one of the city’s most devastating acts of domestic violence in recent years.
