Pawtucket, Rhode Island — A tragic shooting at a high school hockey game left three people dead, including the shooter, and three others critically injured on Monday. Authorities report that the violence was possibly linked to a family dispute.
The incident transpired at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, located just a few miles from Providence, sparking widespread panic among spectators. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as players in their uniforms and distraught families gathered outside, waiting to leave the area as police cordoned off roads and helicopters circled above.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves identified the assailant as Robert Dorgan, who also went by Roberta Esposito. Goncalves revealed that Dorgan was a father whose wife and children were present in the stands during the shooting. The police chief emphasized that investigations would clarify details surrounding the suspect’s identity and background.
Although the shooter has been named, law enforcement has yet to publicly identify the victims. However, Goncalves did mention that one of the individuals harmed was a family friend, but she did not disclose whether they were among the deceased or injured.
According to reports, the police were quick to respond, with local authorities and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, arriving on the scene promptly. A video obtained from the Providence Journal captured the sound of multiple gunshots fired in rapid succession, heightening the urgency of the response.
Pawtucket, home to nearly 80,000 residents and known recently as the headquarters for Hasbro, is now grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event. The community awaits further updates as investigators continue to piece together the events leading to the violence.
Support services for those affected by gun violence are readily available, encouraging individuals to reach out for help if needed. The presence of grief and trauma in the community underscores the urgent need for resources to address the emotional toll of such tragedies.