Pawtucket Arena Shooter Identified as Robert Dorgan; Two Dead, Three Wounded
Robert Dorgan, who at times used the name Roberta Esposito, has been identified as the person who opened fire at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket on Monday afternoon ET. Two people were killed and three were wounded during the shooting at a youth hockey event; the shooter was tackled by members of the crowd and later died.
Identity and background
Officials have identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan. He also used the name Roberta Esposito and had transitioned his gender. Court records show Dorgan had been married to Rhonda Dorgan; the couple’s divorce was finalized in June 2021. Before their separation they lived in North Providence, and when the final order was entered Dorgan listed a Florida mailing address.
One of Dorgan’s children was participating in the game that night, which was being observed as a senior night for the team. The presence of a family member at the rink is being highlighted by community members as particularly devastating given the celebratory nature of the event.
Shooting, response and injuries
The shooting occurred on Monday afternoon ET inside Lynch Arena during the hockey game. Two people were killed and three others were wounded. During the incident, members of the crowd tackled the shooter, stopping the attack; the shooter later died.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as spectators scrambled for safety and others rushed to assist the wounded. Local emergency personnel transported injured victims to nearby hospitals. Law enforcement secured the arena and began an investigation at the scene shortly after the attack.
Community members and event participants praised the quick actions of those who intervened to stop the shooter, noting that those efforts likely prevented further casualties. Officials have said the investigation remains active and that more details will be released as they become available.
Investigation and community impact
Investigators are working to establish a definitive timeline and motive for the shooting. Authorities have gathered evidence from the arena and are reviewing witness statements. The shooting marks the second mass shooting in just over two months in Rhode Island, which has intensified local concern about public safety at youth and community events.
Local leaders and residents expressed shock and sorrow in the aftermath. The fact that the shooting occurred on senior night — a milestone event for athletes and families — has deepened the sense of tragedy across the community. Officials have indicated that support services and counseling will be made available for victims, families and other attendees affected by the incident.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement has asked anyone with information or video from the arena to come forward to assist in piecing together the sequence of events. Further updates are expected as authorities process forensic evidence and complete interviews with witnesses and first responders.
The region faces a somber period of mourning and reflection as families, friends and neighbors grapple with the loss of life and the physical and emotional wounds left in the shooting’s wake. Community gatherings planned at local schools and organizations are likely to be disrupted as people seek ways to support one another and to demand answers about what led to the violence.
