Pawtucket, Rhode Island — A tragic mass shooting at Lynch Arena on Monday has led law enforcement to intensify their investigation into the suspect, Robert Dorgan. Authorities, including the Pawtucket Police, Maine State Police, and the FBI, executed search warrants at Dorgan’s apartment and storage facilities in Maine, unearthing a collection of firearms and related materials.
In the wake of the shooting, police discovered an array of items at Dorgan’s apartment in Bath, including an electronic device, various types of ammunition, firearm accessories, and personal documentation. Additionally, a search of Dorgan’s storage unit in Brunswick yielded a sawed-off shotgun, an AR-15 style rifle, and a handgun frame, along with further ammunition and mail addressed to the suspect. Notably, nothing of interest was found at his work locker.
Authorities quickly identified Dorgan’s vehicle as a white van with a Maine license plate. Following a search of the van, investigators seized several items that linked him to the shooting. Among the finds was a Florida firearms carry permit discovered on Dorgan’s body, though no Rhode Island concealed carry permit has been identified as of yet.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has initiated a trace on the handguns recovered at Lynch Arena. One of the firearms, a Glock 29 (10MM), was purchased by Dorgan in Jacksonville, Florida, in September 2021. The second firearm, a Sig Sauer P226 (.357), was acquired in West Warwick, Rhode Island, in July 2019. The seized firearms and ammunition are slated for testing at the Rhode Island Crime Laboratory, with entries to be made into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).
As an investigation unfolds, the three surviving victims of the shooting remain in critical condition. The incident has already raised questions about firearm accessibility and regulation, as well as the broader implications for community safety.
The Pawtucket Police Department has publicly expressed gratitude for the brave citizens who intervened during the attack. Their decisive actions played a critical role in minimizing harm and potentially saving lives. Among those recognized are Michael Black, Robert Rattenni, and Ryan Cordeiro, who managed to subdue the shooter, while retired firefighters and EMTs, Chris Librizzi and Glenn Narodowy, alongside Nurse Maryann Rattenni, provided crucial first aid in the aftermath.
As the community grapples with the shock of this violent event, the resilience and courage displayed by these individuals serve as a beacon of hope amid tragedy, underscoring the importance of swift, heroic actions in times of crisis.