Pawtucket, Rhode Island — A tragic shooting at a youth hockey game on Monday claimed the lives of three individuals, including the gunman, and left three others in critical condition. Authorities suspect that the incident, which unfolded at a local arena, may be linked to a domestic dispute.
The shooter has been identified as Robert Dorgan, also known as Roberta Esposito, born in 1969. Dorgan reportedly attended the event to watch a family member compete when the violence erupted. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves stated that a swift response from bystanders played a crucial role in subduing Dorgan, who ultimately died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Among the deceased is Dorgan’s ex-wife and their adult son. The victims also include the ex-wife’s parents and a family friend, who remain hospitalized in critical condition as of Tuesday. Bystanders present at the scene quickly sprang into action, assisting both victims and restraining the shooter until law enforcement arrived.
A vigil is planned for Tuesday evening to honor the victims, providing the community an opportunity to grieve and remember those lost in this senseless act of violence.
This incident has heightened concerns about gun violence in the state, which recently grapples with the aftermath of a separate shooting tragedy at Brown University. Just two months prior, a gunman killed two students and wounded nine others in a shocking rampage that ended with the shooter taking his own life in a storage facility in New Hampshire.
Authorities continue their investigation into Monday’s events, piecing together the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The investigation aims to uncover whether Dorgan’s actions were indeed the result of a personal dispute, shedding light on the motivations behind the tragedy.
As the community mourns, local leaders are calling for a renewed focus on addressing gun violence and ensuring public safety in light of the series of violent incidents that have occurred in recent months.