PAWTUCKET R.I., Three people, including the suspected gunman, died Monday afternoon after a parent allegedly opened fire on family members during a high school Senior Night hockey game at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.
Three additional victims remain in critical condition as authorities continue to investigate what officials have described as an isolated, family-related act of violence.
The suspected shooter has been identified by sources as Robert K. Dorgan, 56, of North Providence, who was also known as Roberta Esposito.
Authorities have not yet formally released the suspect’s name. According to individuals with direct knowledge of the investigation, Dorgan was the parent of a North Providence High School senior who was playing in the game at the time of the shooting.
Investigators allege that the suspect opened fire from the rink’s spectator stands at approximately 2:30 p.m. before dying from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Multiple sources familiar with the investigation report that the suspect’s ex-wife, who was also the mother of the student athlete, was fatally shot at the scene. The couple’s adult daughter later died at the hospital.
Three additional family members were transported to Rhode Island Hospital with critical injuries, according to a spokesperson for Brown Health.
As of Monday evening, authorities had not publicly released the names of the victims.
A source who spoke to Channel 2 NOW said they had previously played hockey with one of the suspect’s sons, who was reportedly among those targeted but not physically injured. Officials have not confirmed that detail.
Authorities emphasized that the violence stemmed from a domestic dispute and that there was no ongoing threat to the broader public.
The shooting occurred during a Senior Night high school matchup between the Coventry–Johnston cooperative team and the Blackstone Valley Schools co-op team, which includes players from St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, and the public school districts of North Providence and North Smithfield.
The student whose family members were involved in the shooting was on the ice at the time and was not physically harmed.
Witnesses told local media outlets that the suspect entered the arena carrying two pink-colored firearms and a holster. Some initially believed the weapons were not real. Authorities have not publicly confirmed those details as the investigation remains ongoing.
Video captured from a livestream of the game shows play on the ice being abruptly interrupted by rapid gunfire, apparently coming from the stands. At least 14 shots can be heard fired in quick succession, followed by one or two additional shots approximately 10 seconds later.
Players and spectators are seen leaving the ice and seating area as panic spread throughout the arena.
The shooting prompted a significant law enforcement response, with police vehicles quickly surrounding the arena. Officers secured the scene and began an immediate investigation.
Shortly after the incident, numerous hockey players were observed standing outside the facility, some still wearing socks after removing their skates, before being transported from the area and reunited with their families.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien described the event as tragic.
“What should have been a joyful occasion, with dozens of families, students, and supporters gathered to celebrate Senior Night, was instead marked by violence and fear,” Grebien said in a statement. He characterized the shooting as an isolated incident and expressed condolences to the victims and their families.
“Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning,” he added. “We will stand together to support all those affected in the difficult days ahead.”
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee also addressed the tragedy, encouraging anyone in need of mental health assistance to call 988. He announced that additional counseling resources would be made available to students and families impacted by the shooting.
“Our state is grieving again,” McKee said. “As governor, a parent, and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families, students, and everyone impacted by the devastating shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.”
Kash Patel, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, confirmed that agents from the FBI’s Boston Division responded to Pawtucket and are assisting state and local authorities with the investigation.
“We will provide state and local law enforcement any and all resources necessary and keep the public updated as we are able,” Patel said in a statement.
School officials moved quickly to account for students. Providence Country Day School Head of School Kevin Folan informed families that all students, parents, and staff from the school who attended the game were safe.
Johnston school officials also confirmed that all of their students were accounted for.
Coventry Superintendent Don Cowart provided updates to families throughout the afternoon, first confirming that all district students were safe and later stating that they had been reunited with their loved ones. He noted that mental health resources would be made available to hockey players and families affected by the incident.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting, including the events inside the arena and the suspect’s actions prior to the incident. Officials have reiterated that this appears to have been a targeted, domestic incident.
Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
