Targeted Shooting Shocks Rhode Island Hockey Rink

Advanced | February 19, 2026

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Rhode Island Rink Shooting: A Game Night Turns Into a Crisis

What was supposed to be a normal high school boys’ hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island turned into a nightmare when gunfire broke out inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena. This Rhode Island rink shooting stunned families who were simply there to watch kids play. Police say the attack was targeted, not random—and that it appears connected to a family dispute. (AP; CBS News)

Who Was Hurt—and Who Was Targeted

Authorities identified the two people killed as the shooter’s ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and his adult son, Aidan Dorgan. Three other people were critically injured: Linda and Gerald Dorgan (Rhonda’s parents) and Thomas Geruso, a family friend, according to police. (AP)

How the Attack Ended

Police said the shooter, Robert Dorgan, also used the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano. Officers credited multiple “good Samaritans” who rushed in and helped stop the violence quickly—an intervention that likely prevented even more casualties. Dorgan died at the scene from what police described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. (AP; CBS News)

More context came out afterward: reporting based on court filings and social media posts says gender identity was part of the couple’s divorce dispute, and that under the name Roberta Dorgano the shooter posted repeatedly online about being transgender and about conflict inside the marriage. In the day before the attack, the shooter also posted a message implying people “go berserk” after constant criticism—something investigators and reporters flagged as an alarming warning sign. (AP; NBC Boston)

Why Officials Called It “Targeted”

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said there was “no indication” of impending violence and noted that the shooter had attended many games before without incident. Investigators have not announced a final motive, but police emphasized that the evidence points to a specific set of victims, not a wider threat to the public. (AP; CBS News)

The Community Response: Pausing, Supporting, Processing

After the Rhode Island rink shooting, officials and local leaders focused on support and recovery. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee said the state was ramping up mental health resources and encouraged people to call 988 if they needed help. Pawtucket’s mayor also pointed people to a 211 hotline for counseling and referrals. Meanwhile, the Rhode Island Interscholastic League announced a temporary pause of many school games statewide—basically hitting “pause” so students and families could process what happened. (CBS News)

The Business Lesson Hidden Inside the Tragedy

Even though this is a crime story, there’s a “business” angle for English learners: crisis response is about clear communication, fast decisions, and support systems. Leaders can’t undo the damage, but they can reduce confusion, coordinate help, and protect people from misinformation. In a moment like this, doing the basics well is what keeps a bad situation from getting worse.

Vocabulary

Targeted (adjective) – aimed at a specific person or group.
Example: “Police said the attack was targeted, not random.”
Authorities (noun) – officials who have power or responsibility.
Example: “Authorities asked the public to avoid the area.”
Suspect (noun) – a person believed to be involved in a crime.
Example: “The suspect died at the scene, police said.”
Self-inflicted (adjective) – caused by a person to themselves.
Example: “Police described an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
Intervene (verb) – to step in to help or stop something.
Example: “Bystanders intervened to stop the shooter.”
Critical condition (phrase) – extremely serious medical condition.
Example: “Three victims remained in critical condition.”
Livestream (noun/verb) – broadcast live video online.
Example: “The game was livestreamed on a youth sports platform.”
Motive (noun) – the reason someone does something.
Example: “Investigators are still working to confirm the motive.”
Counseling (noun) – professional support for mental or emotional health.
Example: “The city promoted counseling services after the event.”
Ramping up (phrasal verb) – increasing quickly.
Example: “The state said it was ramping up mental health support.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What details show that this incident was “targeted” rather than random?
What role did bystanders play, and why did police highlight their actions?
How did state and city leaders respond after the shooting?
Why do you think schools and sports leagues pause events after a tragedy?
What information should officials share immediately—and what should they wait to confirm?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

What safety measures do you think are realistic for school sporting events?
How can communities support students after a traumatic event?
Why is clear communication important in a crisis?
What are the risks of misinformation spreading during breaking news?
How can leaders balance privacy for victims with the public’s need for information?

Related Idiom

“Damage control” – actions taken to reduce harm after something bad happens.

Example: “After the shooting, officials focused on damage control: counseling, hotlines, and clear updates.”

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