PAWTUCKET, R.I. — A tragic shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena on Monday has left two people dead, identified as the shooter’s ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their adult son, Aidan Dorgan. Rhonda Dorgan was pronounced dead at the scene, while Aidan later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
In addition to the deceased, three other individuals, including Linda and Gerald Dorgan, relatives of the shooter, and family friend Thomas Geruso, remain in critical condition. Authorities are working diligently to understand the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking episode.
Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed that the perpetrator, Robert Dorgan, possessed two firearms and was not a Rhode Island resident. Dorgan, who is also known as Roberta, was found to have legally purchased the firearms and held a permit to carry in Florida. Investigators recovered seven gun magazines from the scene, some of which exceeded the state’s legal limit of ten rounds.
Goncalves expressed gratitude to bystanders who intervened during the attack, stating that their swift actions helped contain the situation. However, despite the quick response, Dorgan managed to access a second firearm and ultimately died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities executing search warrants and reviewing footage from the ice rink, where a high school hockey game was taking place. The game, streamed live on LiveBarn, captured chaotic scenes as patrons fled upon hearing gunfire.
Authorities have reported that there was no prior indication of possible violence among family members or friends, leaving investigators with unanswered questions regarding the motive. The Dorgan family released a statement expressing their profound sorrow and extending thoughts to all affected by the incident. They emphasized the human impact behind such tragedies and asked for privacy as they cooperate with law enforcement.
In the aftermath of the incident, local police notified the community that personal items left behind in the arena could be retrieved at a designated Family Assistance Center. This includes phones, bags, and other belongings that patrons may have left in the chaos.
This incident comes shortly after another shooting in Rhode Island, which saw two fatalities and injuries to multiple victims at a university. Community members are reeling from the latest event, spurring discussions about safety and mental health in public spaces.
As reactions continue to pour in, Pawtucket residents are grappling with the shock of violence in what is often regarded as a safe and family-friendly environment. Police are urging anyone with further information or video footage of the event to step forward as they piece together the events surrounding this devastating occurrence.