Authorities in Rhode Island are continuing to investigate the deadly shooting that unfolded Monday afternoon at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket. As the community mourns two lives lost and prays for three others still fighting for their lives, many are asking: Who was the shooter, and what led to this tragedy?
Here is what officials have confirmed so far.
What Happened at the Pawtucket Ice Rink?
The shooting occurred just before 3 p.m. on Monday, February 16, at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena during a boys' high school hockey game.
The matchup featured Coventry/Johnston against the Blackstone Valley Co-op team, which includes players from St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, North Providence, and North Smithfield. The event was part of a "Senior Night" celebration - typically a joyful occasion honoring student-athletes and their families.
Instead, chaos erupted.
Video from a livestream of the game captured what appears to be approximately 13 rapid gunshots fired within six seconds, followed by a final shot moments later. At first, some spectators reportedly believed balloons had popped as part of the celebration. Within seconds, panic spread as players, students, and families scrambled for safety.
Two victims were pronounced dead. Three others were transported to Rhode Island Hospital and remain in critical condition.
The suspect also died at the scene from what investigators believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
All student-athletes on the ice were reported safe and uninjured.
Who Was the Shooter?
Late Monday evening, Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves identified the suspect as Robert Dorgan, born in 1969. Authorities said Dorgan also used the name Roberta Esposito.
Investigators believe Dorgan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following the attack.
Police have stated that the shooting appears to have been targeted and may have stemmed from a family dispute. While officials have not publicly released the victims' identities, they confirmed that members of the suspect's family were among those shot. One individual was described as a family friend.
A woman who left the Pawtucket Police Department Monday told reporters that the shooter was her father, stating, "He shot my family, and he's dead now," and adding that he struggled with mental health issues. Authorities have not independently confirmed further details about that statement.
How Was the Shooting Stopped?
Police credited a Good Samaritan with helping bring the violence to a swift end.
Chief Goncalves said an individual intervened and attempted to subdue the shooter during the attack. While authorities have not released that person's identity, officials stated that the intervention likely prevented further loss of life.
More than one firearm was recovered at the scene.
Investigators from multiple agencies - including Rhode Island State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the FBI - are assisting in the ongoing investigation.
As of Monday night, officials confirmed that more than 100 witness interviews had already been conducted.
Witnesses Describe a Scene of Panic
Students and spectators described terrifying moments inside the rink.
Some initially mistook the first gunshots for balloons popping. But as the shots continued, people began diving to the floor and rushing toward exits.
One student recounted being trampled during the stampede to escape. Others described screaming, confusion, and fear as families tried to locate one another outside the arena.
Emergency responders quickly secured the building, and buses transported students and families to safety.
Community in Mourning
Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien called the incident "devastating," saying, "Tonight we are a city in mourning."
Governor Dan McKee expressed heartbreak over the tragedy, noting that mental health resources are being made available to students and families impacted by the violence.
The Rhode Island Interscholastic League has temporarily suspended games out of respect for the victims.
The shooting comes just two months after another deadly incident at Brown University, deepening concern across the state.
A Call to Prayer and Support
As Rhode Island grieves this heartbreaking tragedy, many are turning to prayer for the families who lost loved ones and for those still fighting for their lives in the hospital. What should have been a joyful night celebrating young athletes instead became a moment of unimaginable sorrow.
Let us continue to lift up the victims, their families, first responders, and the entire Pawtucket community in prayer - asking for comfort, strength, and healing in the difficult days ahead. In moments like these, unity and compassion matter more than ever.
