HEROIC Bystander Ends Ice Rink Massacre

Businessman wearing a cape, standing confidently.

An everyday hero’s bold stand stopped a shooter cold at a Rhode Island ice rink, proving armed citizens protect families when seconds count.

Story Highlights

Unnamed good Samaritan intervened during active shooting, credited by police for swift end to attack that killed two adults and injured three.
Shooter Robert Dorgan, aka Roberta Esposito, died by self-inflicted gunshot after targeting family at youth hockey Senior Night game.
Incident at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket marks second mass shooting in Rhode Island within two months, heightening community fears.
Police Chief praises civilian heroism, underscoring value of individual action over waiting for authorities.
Grief counseling launched as investigation probes family dispute motive in this targeted tragedy.

Tragic Shooting Disrupts Family Celebration

Robert Dorgan, also known as Roberta Esposito and born in 1969, opened fire at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, around 2:30 p.m. Monday. The attack unfolded during a high school boys’ hockey game on Senior Night for the Blackstone Valley Schools cooperative team against Coventry-Johnston. Dozens of families gathered to honor senior players when gunfire erupted, killing two adults and leaving three others in critical condition. The shooter attended to watch a family member play, turning a joyful community event into horror.

Good Samaritan’s Courage Ends the Threat

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves credited an unnamed good Samaritan for halting the violence. The bystander stepped in during the shooting, attempting to subdue Dorgan and bringing a swift end to the attack. Goncalves confirmed this intervention prevented further casualties, noting investigators interviewed nearly 100 witnesses. Dorgan then died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. This unarmed civilian action highlights the critical role ordinary citizens play in active shooter scenarios, especially before police arrive.

Targeted Attack Sparks Ongoing Probe

Authorities described the shooting as a targeted event tied to a possible family dispute, though motives remain unclear. Police continue piecing together details from witnesses, with no random intent indicated. Victim identities stay withheld pending family notification. The shooter’s family connection to a player suggests personal grievances escalated fatally. Chief Goncalves emphasized the investigation’s focus on exact circumstances, praising community cooperation amid trauma.

Leaders Respond to Repeat Rhode Island Violence

This marks Rhode Island’s second mass shooting in two months, following December’s Brown University attack that killed two students and wounded others. Governor Dan McKee stated, “Our state is grieving again,” announcing expanded mental health resources and urging calls to 988. Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien called it a “terrible tragedy,” declaring the city in mourning while pledging support. Grief counseling started Tuesday at Blackstone Valley Visitor’s Center from noon to 7 p.m., extending as needed. McKee, as a former coach and parent, stressed aid for students and families.

A shooter killed two people and injured three others at a Rhode Island youth hockey game, in an attack that was cut short when a spectator stepped in, according to authorities. https://t.co/WaQiv7hYWv

— WDIO News (@wdiowirt) February 17, 2026

Heroism Affirms Conservative Principles

The good Samaritan’s decisive intervention embodies self-reliance and community protection, core American values President Trump champions. In an era of rising threats, this real-world example shows why law-abiding citizens must remain vigilant and capable of defense. Rhode Island’s back-to-back tragedies demand stronger security at youth events without infringing Second Amendment rights. Pawtucket’s resilience shines through, but repeated violence underscores need for accountability over endless mental health expansions alone.