Pawtucket Ice Rink Shooting Suspect Pictured in Women’s Clothing During Incident Investigation
PAWTUCKET R.I., UPDATE: The suspected shooter has been identified as Robert Dorgan, 56, of North Providence, who was also known as Roberta Esposito.
A source familiar with the situation told Channel2 NOW that the individual responsible for the shooting at the ice rink is the father of a North Providence High School senior.
The source stated they previously played hockey with one of the suspect’s sons, who was reportedly among those targeted during the incident.
According to the source, the suspect fatally shot his young daughter and opened fire on his ex-wife and another individual during his son’s Senior Night hockey game.
A tragic act of domestic violence unfolded Monday afternoon at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, where the father of a North Providence High School senior allegedly shot five members of his own family during a Senior Night hockey game.
Two victims died as a result of the shooting, and three others were critically injured before the gunman died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the investigation.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. during a Senior Night matchup featuring the Coventry-Johnston cooperative hockey team against the Blackstone Valley Schools team, which includes St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, and the public school districts of North Providence and North Smithfield.
The event had drawn dozens of students, parents, and community members to celebrate graduating seniors.
According to sources, the student’s mother was fatally shot at the rink. A sibling later died from injuries at the hospital.
Three additional family members were transported to Rhode Island Hospital in critical condition. A spokesperson for Brown Health confirmed their status as of late Monday afternoon. Authorities have not released the names of the victims.
Video from a livestream of the game shows the moment the violence began.
The footage captures the sound of rapid gunfire interrupting play on the ice, apparently coming from the stands.
At least 14 shots can be heard fired in quick succession, followed by one or two additional gunshots roughly 10 seconds later.
Players and spectators are seen leaving the ice and seating area in panic.
The shooting prompted a significant law enforcement response. Police vehicles quickly surrounded the arena, and officers secured the scene.
Shortly afterward, numerous hockey players were seen gathered outside the facility—some still in socks after removing their skates—before being transported from the area for safety.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien described the shooting as a tragic and devastating event.
“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 issued a statement, encouraging anyone in need of mental health assistance to contact 988 and announcing that additional counseling resources would be made available to affected students and families.
“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 in the investigation. He stated that federal authorities would provide necessary resources to state and local law enforcement.
School officials moved quickly to reassure families. Providence Country Day School Head of School Kevin Folan informed families that all PCD students, parents, and staff who attended the game were safe. Johnston school officials similarly confirmed that all of their students were accounted for.
Coventry Superintendent Don Cowart sent updates throughout the afternoon, first confirming that all district students had been accounted for and later announcing that they had been reunited with their families. He noted that mental health resources would be made available to hockey players and their families in the days ahead.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the events leading up to the violence and the suspect’s actions inside the arena. Officials have emphasized that this appears to have been a targeted domestic incident rather than a broader threat to the public.
Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
