Pawtucket, Rhode Island — A high school hockey tournament turned tragic Saturday afternoon when a gunman opened fire inside Lynch Arena, claiming two lives and wounding three others. The shooting occurred around 2:30 p.m. during a livestreamed match meant for family and friends unable to attend in person.
Authorities identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan, 56, who also went by Roberta Esposito. Dorgan reportedly turned the gun on himself after the incident, leaving behind a chilling scene in which family members were among the victims. According to police, the shooting appears to be connected to a domestic dispute, with victims including Dorgan’s son and a family friend.
Witnesses reported hearing approximately 11 gunshots, sending players and spectators scrambling for safety. Those on the ice had limited options for escape, while those in the stands dove for cover. Players managed to barricade themselves in the locker room, while attendees rushed for the exits, many shedding their skates as they fled.
Footage from the event captured the chaos, showing panicked individuals making a dash for safety as screams filled the air. Eyewitness accounts revealed that despite the confusion, some attendees remained seated, unsure of what was transpiring. A local sports editor, who was present at the game, noted seeing Dorgan take his position in the last row of the stands before moving toward the front and opening fire.
Reports indicated that another bystander attempted to disarm Dorgan during the violence but was thwarted by the shooter’s possession of a second weapon. Students from multiple local high schools, including Coventry, Johnston, and North Providence, were in attendance at the tournament.
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, local educational officials confirmed that all students from their districts had been accounted for and were safe. The grim reality of the shooting has shaken the local community, prompting discussions about safety in schools and public venues.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, working to piece together the events leading to the tragic shooting. The emotional toll on the community remains palpable as residents and families grapple with the consequences of that fateful afternoon.