rhode island shooting: Ex-wife and son killed at Pawtucket high school hockey game, suspect dies
Two people were killed and three others wounded after a man opened fire inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket on Monday (ET), law enforcement. The suspect, identified as a 56-year-old man, then died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The victims included the suspect's ex-wife and their son.
What happened at the arena
The shooting occurred during a high school hockey game between Coventry and Blackstone Valley. Authorities say the suspect walked into the arena and fired on members of his family who were seated in the bleachers. After the attack, the suspect fatally shot himself. Emergency services transported three other people to hospital; two of those wounded remain in critical condition.
Pawtucket police released initial details at the scene and identified the victims killed as Rhonda Dorgan and her son Aidan Dorgan. The suspected shooter was named as Robert Dorgan, 56. Investigators have described the incident as a family dispute but have not released a clear motive for the attack. there appeared to have been no prior exchange or confrontation between the suspect and the victims immediately before the shooting.
Community response and investigation
Family members and legal representatives issued a statement expressing deep grief and urging privacy as the investigation proceeds. The statement emphasized the family’s focus on those injured and acknowledged the profound pain felt by relatives and friends. Attorneys for the family said they are cooperating with investigators and asked that questions be directed to the family's legal spokesperson.
Bystanders at the game described chaotic scenes as people fled the stands. One attendee who intervened later described tackling the shooter in an effort to stop him and disarm him. Law enforcement officials continue to interview witnesses and are reviewing surveillance footage from the arena to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Investigators have not announced charges or a motive and said the probe is ongoing. Authorities urged anyone with additional information to come forward and reiterated that the primary focus remains support for those injured and the families affected by the violence.
Impact on the community
The arena and local schools have been left shaken by the attack, which unfolded during a routine high school sporting event. Students, parents and community leaders described the incident as devastating and expressed concern about safety at public gatherings. Counselors and support services have been mobilized to assist those affected.
Officials noted the broader emotional toll on the Dorgan family and other victims, stressing that behind the headlines are people coping with loss and trauma. As investigations continue, they will release more details when available and as appropriate to avoid compromising the ongoing work of law enforcement.
