Suspect Identified After Fatal Shooting at Rhode Island High School Hockey Game
Police have identified the person who opened fire during a high school hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, R. I., an incident that left multiple people dead or wounded and sent families and players fleeing in panic. Authorities say the shooter died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and investigators believe the attack was targeted and may have stemmed from a family dispute.
Chaos on the ice: what happened
The game had been scheduled to start at 2 p. m. ET, and officials say shots rang out inside the arena at about 2: 30 p. m. ET while players were on the ice. Video of the event captured the staccato sound of gunfire and players and spectators scrambling for cover. Some skaters dove over the boards or sprinted toward exits as benches emptied within seconds.
Witnesses inside the arena described scenes of confusion and terror. One parent who ran back into the stands to find a child said she saw paramedics performing CPR and pleaded for her son to take cover as the noise began. A player who was on the ice said he and teammates pressed against a locker-room door and tried to stay safe as more shots were fired.
Police said a bystander intervened during the shooting and that intervention likely helped bring a swift end to the attack.
Victims, suspect and motive
Authorities identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan, who also used the name Roberta and the surname Esposito. Investigators say Dorgan died inside the arena of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Local officials have said the incident appears to be a targeted event and may have been driven by a family dispute, though they have not released detailed information about the motive or the identities of the victims.
Law enforcement has confirmed multiple fatalities and several people wounded. Some injured individuals were in critical condition following emergency treatment. Federal agents were dispatched to assist at the scene as the investigation continued.
Community reaction and next steps
Local officials expressed grief and alarm over the shooting, noting the disruption to a community gathering meant to celebrate high school athletes. The state’s governor said the incident was devastating and underscored the pain of repeated gun violence in the area.
Players, families and neighbors described trauma in the hours after the shooting, with many still shaken by the sudden violence at a community rink. Organizers and local leaders are expected to offer support and counseling in the coming days for those affected.
Police investigators are continuing to piece together the sequence of events, interview witnesses and review video from the arena as they work to confirm details about the incident and its motive. Authorities urged anyone with information to come forward as the probe proceeds.
This shooting follows other recent violent incidents in the state, compounding concerns about public safety at community events and prompting calls for renewed focus on prevention and support for victims and families.
