Rhode Island shooting at Pawtucket ice rink leaves multiple victims; suspect dead
Multiple people were shot Monday afternoon at an indoor ice rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, leaving at least two dead and several others critically injured. Authorities say the suspected shooter is deceased and investigators continue to piece together the motive and timeline of the attack.
Suspect identified; identity details released
Pawtucket police identified the shooter by birth name as Robert Dorgan, 56, and said he also used the name Roberta Esposito. Officials described him as the father of a student who was competing in the tournament at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena. Police said Dorgan fatally shot family members and a family friend before taking his own life at the scene.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said investigators have established the suspect's identity and are continuing to confirm additional details. A woman who left the police station on Monday described the shooter as her father and said he had mental health issues.
Scene, timeline and casualties
Authorities say the first calls came in just before 2: 30 p. m. ET. Police responded to the arena around 2: 30 p. m. ET—about two minutes after receiving the initial call—and found multiple victims. the gunman initially sat near the back of the stands on the home team’s side before moving toward the front and opening fire.
Two people were confirmed dead: the student’s mother, who died inside the arena, and a sibling who later succumbed at a hospital. Three additional victims remained in critical condition Monday night. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as spectators fled, others rendered first aid and one person attempted CPR on the wounded.
Chief Goncalves praised a bystander who intervened, describing the individual as a "Good Samaritan" who attempted to subdue the shooter. Investigators recovered two firearms at the scene; the intervening civilian managed to disarm the attacker of one weapon but the shooter had a backup firearm.
Investigation underway and community response
Emergency crews and law enforcement continued to process the scene into the evening. Pawtucket’s mayor emphasized that local authorities are coordinating with state offices to ensure the facts are fully established before releasing additional details. "Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning, " the mayor said, urging residents to support those affected.
Harrowing livestream footage that circulated online showed spectators scrambling for exits as the shooting unfolded. Nearby businesses implemented lockdowns; one pharmacy locked its doors after patrons sought shelter inside. Community leaders and emergency personnel urged anyone with relevant information or video to come forward to help investigators reconstruct the attack.
Officials cautioned that the investigation is active and fluid, and that additional confirmations on the suspect’s motives, any potential planning and the full number of victims will be shared when available. Counseling and victim-support resources were being mobilized for families, students and first responders impacted by the violence.
Police asked the public to avoid speculating on motives and to allow investigators to complete their on-site work. Further updates are expected as authorities continue interviews, review video evidence and gather forensic findings.
