A tragic shooting at a high school ice hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, has resulted in two fatalities and three individuals wounded, with authorities confirming the suspected shooter died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident occurred Sunday at Dennis M. Lynch Arena, located approximately five miles north of Providence and 45 miles south of Boston.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves identified the suspect as Robert Dorgan, who also used the name Roberta and surname Esposito. Chief Goncalves indicated preliminary investigations suggest the shooting was ‘a targeted event’ potentially stemming from ‘a family dispute,’ though specific details regarding victim identities remain undisclosed.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage depict chaotic scenes as gunfire erupted during gameplay, triggering panic among players and spectators. A critical intervention by a bystander reportedly contributed to ending the violence swiftly, though police have not elaborated on the nature of this intervention.
Melissa Dunn, a parent present at the game, described the initial confusion: ‘You just hear the loud noises. We’re used to the kids banging on the board with their skates, so we thought it was that at first.’ After realizing the severity of the situation, Dunn screamed for her son to take cover and recounted witnessing paramedics performing CPR in the stands.
Olin Lawrence, a high school hockey player on the ice during the incident, shared his harrowing experience: ‘We pressed against the door and just tried to stay safe down in there. It was very scary. We were very nervous. It was a lot of shots.’
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed profound grief, noting this incident follows another recent shooting at Brown University in December. ‘As governor, a parent and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families and everyone impacted by the devastating shooting,’ Governor McKee stated, highlighting the recurring pattern of gun violence affecting communities.
The event has reignited discussions about public safety at youth sporting events and the broader context of gun violence in the United States, marking another tragic episode in the nation’s ongoing struggle with firearm-related incidents.