On Monday, February 16, 2026, during a youth hockey game at the Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, a tragic shooting unfolded, resulting in the deaths of Rhonda Dorgan and her adult son, Aidan Dorgan. The shooter, identified as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, specifically targeted his former family members. Authorities reported that as the chaos erupted, many spectators dove for cover while a few brave individuals intervened to stop the attack. Dorgan ultimately died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Pawtucket Chief of Police Tina Goncalves confirmed that Dorgan's ex-wife, Rhonda, and their son were killed in the incident, while three others—Rhonda's parents, Linda and Gerald Dorgan, and family friend Thomas Geruso—sustained critical injuries. Goncalves noted that there had been no prior indications of potential violence at the arena, stating that Dorgan had attended multiple hockey games in the past without incident.
The circumstances surrounding the couple's strained relationship were highlighted, as Rhonda Dorgan filed for divorce in 2020 after nearly three decades of marriage. Court documents revealed that Rhonda initially cited gender reassignment surgery and personality disorder traits as reasons for the divorce but later changed her statement to "irreconcilable differences." It was indicated that gender identity issues played a significant role in their separation.
Using the name Roberta Dorgano on social media, Dorgan had previously posted about their marital troubles. A month prior to the shooting, Dorgan reacted to anti-transgender comments made by public figures on X (formerly Twitter), expressing frustration about the prevalent criticism of transgender individuals. In the moments preceding the shooting, Dorgan was active on social media, hinting at underlying tensions related to identity and acceptance.
Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of terror as the shooting broke out during the livestreamed event. Chaos engulfed the arena, with hockey players trying to escape while fans rushed towards exits. A video recorded post-incident revealed distressing scenes of parents searching for their children and young victims being transported on stretchers.
Community members gathered for a vigil at the Slatersville Congregational Church in North Smithfield in the aftermath of the shooting. Local resident Amy Goulet expressed her disbelief, stating it was unimaginable that such violence could strike the community that supports their youth sports.
Robert Dorgan was employed by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, a shipbuilding facility with U.S. Navy contracts. Colleagues described him as having a volatile temperament, known for engaging in heated disputes at work. Dorgan's past included a brief stint in the Marine Corps, where he enlisted on April 26, 1988, but was discharged in less than three months due to conduct deemed inconsistent with Marine Corps standards.
This tragic event transpired nearly two months after Rhode Island experienced another violent shooting that killed two students at Brown University. The frequency of such incidents in the state highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and safety within community spaces.
