Pawtucket, Rhode Island – A shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena on Monday afternoon left two people dead and three critically injured, authorities confirmed. The suspect, identified as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who similarly went by “Roberta,” died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves. The shooting occurred during a high school hockey game, sending shockwaves through the community and raising questions about the motive behind the targeted attack.
The incident unfolded during a “senior night” game between the Blackstone Valley Schools cooperative hockey team and the Coventry-Johnston cooperative team. Witnesses described a scene of chaos as shots rang out, with players and spectators scrambling for safety. A livestream of the game captured the sound of multiple gunshots, followed by screams and panicked reactions, as documented in a video obtained by the Providence Journal. The quick response of law enforcement, arriving within minutes of the initial report, was crucial in containing the situation.
Chief Goncalves stated that the shooting appears to be the result of a “family dispute,” though details remain limited as the investigation continues. She confirmed that a “Good Samaritan” attempted to subdue the shooter, potentially preventing further casualties. The identities of the victims are being withheld pending notification of their families, but police confirmed both deceased were adults. Reports indicate the suspect shot five members of his own family, with the student’s mother and a sibling among those killed, according to the Providence Journal.
The Coventry School District confirmed that all students from the boys hockey team were accounted for and safe, with mental health resources being made available to those affected. “All Coventry students have been safely reunited with their loved ones,” Superintendent Don Cowart wrote. The FBI Boston field office and the ATF Boston division responded to the scene to assist local authorities, stating there was no ongoing threat to public safety.
The shooting has prompted an outpouring of grief and support from the community and beyond. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee stated he was “praying for Pawtucket and everyone involved,” and had spoken with Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien and state police officials. Congressman Gabe Amo expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, praising the quick response of bystanders, law enforcement, and first responders. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and several members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation also offered their support and called for action to address gun violence.
Suspect’s Identity and Background
Police identified the suspect as Robert Dorgan, 56, who also used the name Roberta Esposito. When asked if the shooter was transgender, Chief Goncalves confirmed the use of both names but declined to elaborate further, stating she would provide more information on Tuesday. The suspect was reportedly the father of a senior player on the North Providence hockey team, according to NBC 10 News. This detail suggests a deeply personal motive behind the violence.
Community Response and Support
The incident has left the local hockey community reeling. Following the shooting, many individuals showed solidarity by placing hockey sticks outside their doors, a gesture of support and remembrance. The Providence Bruins also expressed their support for the community and commended the first responders. The shooting comes just months after a separate mass shooting at Brown University in nearby Providence, highlighting a concerning pattern of violence in the region. In December, Claudio Manuel Neves-Valente fatally shot students at Brown University and an MIT professor before taking his own life.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, gathering information from witnesses and reviewing evidence. The focus remains on understanding the motive behind the attack and providing support to those affected by this tragic event. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released as they become available.
As the community grapples with this devastating loss, the focus will be on providing support to the families of the victims and ensuring the safety and well-being of all those affected. The coming days will be critical as investigators piece together the events that led to this tragedy and as the community begins the long process of healing.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts and condolences in the comments below. If you or someone you know is struggling with grief or mental health concerns, please reach out for support. Resources are available, and you are not alone.
