Horrific Rhode Island Hockey Game Shooting Caught on Video Leaves Multiple Dead and Injured
A peaceful afternoon youth hockey game in Rhode Island turned into a terrifying mass shooting that has shocked the local community and drawn national attention. The incident unfolded on Monday, February 16, 2026, during a boys’ high school hockey matchup at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, where players, coaches and dozens of spectators were present. Video from inside the rink captured the sound of multiple gunshots erupting midgame and the ensuing chaos as players and fans scrambled for cover.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., shots rang out in the stands, prompting players on the ice to retreat toward exits and locker rooms while spectators dove to the floor or fled toward safety. Some players were seen skating across the rink and others barricading themselves inside rooms as panic spread.
Shooting Captured on Footage
Video footage circulating online — including clips shared by local media and livestream viewers — shows fans ducking under benches and huddling behind seats, while players with skates on rushed to clear the ice as soon as the gunfire started. Many initially mistook the loud pops for other noises before realizing they were gunshots and racing for the exits.
One of the most chilling aspects of the incident was the sheer number of shots heard in a short burst, with some accounts describing as many as a dozen shots fired before additional gunfire and confusion spread through the crowded arena. Witnesses reported a frantic atmosphere as adults and students alike attempted to protect themselves and loved ones.
Victims and Casualties
Authorities later confirmed that three people were killed, including the suspected shooter, and three others were critically injured in the attack. The victims — believed to be adults connected to the gunman — were struck during the incident and were transported to nearby hospitals, where some remained in critical condition. The names of the deceased have not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Police identified the suspected shooter as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who authorities say acted in what appears to be a targeted “family dispute”. Reports indicate Dorgan opened fire at his wife and other family members in the stands before turning the gun on himself, according to law enforcement and local reporting.
Eyewitness Accounts Highlight Fear and Confusion
Several players and spectators spoke about the sheer terror of the moment. A high school goalie said players initially thought the loud noises were something less serious, like bumping or equipment sounds, before it became clear they were being fired upon. Players later described pressing their bodies against locker room doors as they tried to stay safe.
Families in attendance described frantic scenes of children and parents fleeing the arena, with some even seeking shelter in nearby stores as gunfire continued. Outside, police, fire and emergency medical services responded within minutes, securing the scene and tending to the wounded.
Police Response and Investigation
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves labeled the tragedy as “unacceptable” and said it appears the shooting was a targeted incident related to a familial conflict rather than random violence. Federal agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI’s Boston Division were assisting with the investigation, which is ongoing.
Officials confirmed there is no ongoing threat to public safety in the area, and that all students and players present at the game have been accounted for.
Community Reaction
The Pawtucket community — situated just north of Providence, Rhode Island — has been left reeling after the incident. Local leaders, including the city’s mayor and school officials, have expressed heartfelt condolences to the families impacted and emphasized the need for support and counseling resources for students and families traumatized by the violence.
This tragedy follows another high-profile shooting in Rhode Island earlier this year at Brown University, deepening concerns about public safety and gun violence in what many see as typically safe public spaces.
What’s Next
Authorities have asked anyone with additional video footage or information from the scene to come forward as part of the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, players, families and community members continue to process the horror of what was meant to be a joyful high school sports event — one that was instead interrupted by a devastating and senseless act of violence.
