rhode island shooting at youth hockey game leaves two dead, several injured after bystanders intervene

Two people were killed and at least three others were critically wounded after a shooting at a high school hockey game Monday evening (ET) in Pawtucket. Witnesses say bystanders rushed the shooter, stopping further bloodshed before the attacker took his own life. Police have opened an active investigation and executed search warrants as they seek a motive.

Bystanders wrestle gunman to the ice

Spectators at Dennis M. Lynch Arena were watching a game held as a senior night celebration when gunfire erupted. One witness, Michael Black, 58, said he initially thought noises were balloons popping. After a third shot, Black said he saw a man pointing a gun at people in the second row and shouted for nearby spectators to run.

Black said he lunged for the weapon and that his left hand caught on the slide, preventing it from firing. He said he landed on top of the shooter and that other patrons also jumped on the attacker during the struggle. "He was trying to press the trigger, and the gun wasn't working because my hand was in the way, " Black said.

As the struggle continued, the attacker reportedly fell back onto Black, reached into a jacket and pulled out a second firearm. Witnesses say the man then used that weapon to kill himself at the arena. Police identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan, 56, who also went by the name Roberta.

Fatalities, injuries and a community reeling

Police said Dorgan fatally shot his ex-wife and an adult son during the game. Three other people — the ex-wife’s parents and a family friend — were wounded and remained in critical condition the following day. One of Dorgan’s other sons was playing in the game and was not hurt.

The match had been a senior night contest between the Blackstone Valley Schools cooperative team and the Coventry-Johnston cooperative team. Authorities noted Dorgan had attended other youth hockey games in the past, and there had been no outward signs that violence was imminent for Monday’s event.

Pawtucket’s police chief said investigators executed search warrants the next day as they worked to determine a motive. Officials praised the intervention of bystanders, saying their actions likely prevented further casualties.

In the immediate aftermath, witnesses and community members have mobilized to support victims and those who intervened. Black, who described receiving comfort from friends in fire and police service, said he would not let the incident derail personal plans and declined to postpone a planned college-visit trip with his son. "This guy has disrupted so many lives, " he said. "I made the decision he’s not going to disrupt mine. "

The investigation remains active. Police investigators continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses as the community processes the toll of a night meant to celebrate local athletes.