PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WPRI) — The 56-year-old father of a North Providence High School senior opened fire at his son's hockey game on Monday afternoon, killing two family members and injuring others, Target 12 has confirmed.
Police identified the shooting suspect as Robert Dorgan, who also goes by the name Roberta. The mother of the hockey player was killed at the rink, while a sibling died at the hospital, according to several sources with direct knowledge of the incident. The injured included two other family members and a family friend, authorities said.
The attack took place at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, an indoor skating rink, around 2:30 p.m. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves identified Dorgan during a news conference Monday night.
Goncalves said the shooting was targeted and is believed to have stemmed from a family dispute, though she stressed it remained under investigation.
Police have not publicly identified the victims, saying that information will come out after they notify family members.
At Pawtucket Police Department headquarters, a woman identifying herself as the shooter's daughter told reporters, "He shot my family and he's dead now." She also said the shooter had "mental health issues," adding that he was "very sick."
The three injured victims remained in critical condition at Rhode Island Hospital as of late Monday afternoon, a spokesperson for Brown Health confirmed.
Closer slow‑motion footage of the Rhode Island ice hockey shooting.
My gratitude goes out to the brave men who tried to stop the shooter. pic.twitter.com/ts4UuVO35g — I Meme Therefore I Am (@ImMeme0) February 17, 2026
Police said the shooting was interrupted when a good man stepped in, subdued Dorgan and brought a "swift end to the tragic event."
In an updated report cited by WPRI, that "good man" has been identified as Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Jakorian Bennett.
According to the outlet, Bennett was present at the arena and intervened during the chaos, helping stop the situation before it escalated further. Authorities have not released additional operational details regarding his involvement, and the investigation remains active.
As news spread, members of the Eagles community began reacting on social media, expressing support for the victims and acknowledging the bravery described in the local report.
Goncalves said police were still investigating the deadly shooting, including interviews with more than 100 witnesses as of Monday night. Detectives were still reviewing video from the game and the police chief urged anyone with any information or video to contact the Pawtucket Police Department at (401) 727-9100 ext. 1711.
The "Senior Night" game that was being played when the shooting occurred pitted the Coventry-Johnston co-op team against the four institutions that are part of the Blackstone Valley Schools team: St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, and the public school districts of North Providence and North Smithfield.
"What should have been a joyful occasion, with dozens of families, students, and supporters gathered to celebrate Senior Night … was instead marked by violence and fear," Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien said in a statement. "Our prayers go out to the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this devastating incident."
"Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning," he continued. "We will stand together to support all those affected in the difficult days ahead, and we will keep the public updated as confirmed facts become available."
One student leaving the rink told 12 News he recalled hearing several "bangs" and then people began to run for the exits as they realized they were hearing gunshots.
A video of the shooting from a live-stream of the game shows play on the ice being interrupted by the sounds of rapid gunfire, seemingly from somewhere in the stands. At least 14 gunshots can be heard being fired off consecutively, followed by one or two more gunshots roughly 10 seconds later. Players and attendees can be seen scrambling off the ice and out of the stands to get away from the gunfire.
An employee of a nearby Walgreens told Target 12 that people came into the pharmacy panicking, saying there had been a shooting. The employee said they called 911 and closed the store.
The violence in Pawtucket on Monday left Rhode Islanders reeling, coming barely two months after a gunman opened fire at Brown University, killing two students and injuring nine others. Statements poured in from state leaders and others expressing shock.
The rink shooting triggered a massive police response, as law enforcement vehicles surrounded the arena. Shortly after the shooting, a large crowd of hockey players were seen standing outside, some still in their socks after removing their ice skates, before they were taken away in RIPTA buses.
In a statement, Gov. Dan McKee encouraged anyone in need of mental health assistance to call 988. McKee said additional mental health resources will also be made available to students and families this week.
"Our state is grieving again," McKee wrote. "As governor, a parent and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families, students and everyone impacted by the devastating shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket."
McKee also said the cities and towns impacted by the shooting have the state's "full support."
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed in a post on X that agents with the Boston Division are in Pawtucket and have joined the investigation.
"We will provide state and local law enforcement any and all resources necessary and keep the public updated as we are able," Patel wrote. "In the meantime please pray for the victims and their families."
The shooting is also being investigated by the Rhode Island Attorney General's office.
In a letter to families, North Providence Superintendent Joseph Goho said, "It is important to inform everyone that our students, and the students from the other communities who participate on the co-op hockey team, are safe." He added, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to those involved in this tragic incident."
Kevin Folan, the head of Providence Country Day School, also confirmed that students, parents and staff who were at the game were safe.
"We are shocked and saddened by the shooting," Folan said.
In a text message sent to families, Johnston Public Schools said the district's student athletes who were playing in the game were safe as well.
Coventry Superintendent Don Cowart sent an email to families announcing that the district's students "have been accounted for and are safe." In a another email update a couple of hours later, Cowart said all Coventry students have been reunited with their loved ones.
"Mental health resources will be made available to hockey students and families," Cowart wrote. "We encourage anyone who may need support to access these services."
North Smithfield High School Principal Dan Geraghty confirmed in an email the district's athletic director, as well as the students and staff who were at the game, were safe and accounted for.
"This is heartbreaking to hear about and I know many in our community are feeling shaken by it," Geraghty said.
The Rhode Island Interscholastic League announced Monday night that it would temporarily suspend all games "out of respect for the victims and to reflect upon this senseless act of violence."