US ice rink shooting: Gunman kills family at Rhode Island ice rink during school game

Three people were killed and at least three others injured during a shooting at an ice rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in the US on Monday. The shooting occurred during a high school hockey game, authorities said. Police described the incident as stemming from a “family dispute” and said the suspected gunman later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The shooting occurred at the Dennis M Lynch Arena ice rink while a game between Coventry and Blackstone Valley school teams was underway, Fox News reported. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves told reporters that the victims included family members and a family friend. At least one of those killed was a woman, while another victim died later in hospital due to injuries sustained in the shooting. Three others remain injured, including one who is hospitalised. ## Who was the Rhode Island shooter? Police identified the suspect by the name Robert Dorgan, noting that the individual also used the name Roberta and the surname Esposito. Authorities did not provide further details about the motive beyond describing the incident as a domestic-related dispute. Goncalves said a bystander intervened during the shooting, which may have contributed to bringing the episode to a swift end. Coventry Public Schools Superintendent Don Cowart said all students from the Coventry Boys Hockey team present at the arena were accounted for and safe. District officials coordinated with law enforcement after being alerted to the situation, he said. The FBI’s Boston office confirmed it responded to the scene and was prepared to assist local authorities if required. > At least two people have been killed and several were injured from a shooting at an ice skating rink in Rhode Island, authorities said. The shooting appears to be a targeted and “family-related,” the Pawtucket Police chief said. @RhiannonAlly reports. https://t.co/xzmNrdPvCS pic.twitter.com/50qQzJAT1o — World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) February 17, 2026 At least two people have been killed and several were injured from a shooting at an ice skating rink in Rhode Island, authorities said. The shooting appears to be a targeted and “family-related,” the Pawtucket Police chief said. @RhiannonAlly reports. https://t.co/xzmNrdPvCS pic.twitter.com/50qQzJAT1o — World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) February 17, 2026 https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee said his office was monitoring developments and expressed condolences to those affected. The Providence Bruins hockey team also issued a statement expressing support for the community. Authorities said investigations were ongoing. ## Governor, Mayor offers condolences Dan McKee, Governor of the Rhode Island in an video statement on X, offered condolences to the victims of the accident. “A tragedy like this is difficult for anyone, of any age…” he said. > Our hearts are heavy tonight. My message to Rhode Islanders: pic.twitter.com/ZJB9LNzd3O — Governor Dan McKee (@GovDanMcKee) February 17, 2026 Our hearts are heavy tonight. My message to Rhode Islanders: pic.twitter.com/ZJB9LNzd3O — Governor Dan McKee (@GovDanMcKee) February 17, 2026 In a statement issued on behalf of Mayor Donald R. Grebien, city authorities said the community had experienced a “terrible tragedy” during what was meant to be a celebratory Senior Night event. The statement said the investigation remained active and that officials were working closely with law enforcement and the Attorney General’s office to establish the facts. The city thanked first responders for their swift response and said Pawtucket was “a city in mourning.” The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. 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