PAWTUCKET, R.I. — A youth hockey game turned tragic Monday afternoon when a shooter opened fire in an ice rink, claiming the lives of two family members before taking his own life, authorities confirmed. The victims, Rhonda Dorgan and her adult son Aidan, were reportedly targeted during the incident, which also left three others injured.
Pawtucket’s Police Chief Tina Goncalves identified the shooter as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also used the name Roberta Esposito. Goncalves noted that there were no prior indications of potential violence at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, where families had gathered to enjoy the game. Dorgan had attended similar events without incident in the past, and no confrontation had preceded the shooting.
Witness testimonies are crucial as investigators sift through accounts from nearly 100 people who were present during the chaotic scene. The ice rink, located just a few miles from Providence, became a site of panic and confusion when the shots rang out. Eyewitnesses described how players and spectators scrambled for safety as the livestream of the event captured the unfolding chaos.
A decisive intervention by bystanders was instrumental in preventing further violence, according to Goncalves. At least three individuals helped to subdue Dorgan, although he managed to reach for a second firearm before ultimately taking his own life. This prompt response likely prevented additional casualties.
The incident was livestreamed on a platform dedicated to youth sporting events, inadvertently broadcasting the harrowing moments as players dived for cover amid the sounds of gunfire. The service provider has since warned users against sharing footage without permission, emphasizing the sensitivity of the content.
Dorgan worked at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, a shipbuilding company in Maine that contracts with the U.S. Navy. Colleagues remember him as a person who spoke fondly of his son, although discussions about his ex-wife were notably absent. One co-worker remarked on Dorgan’s intense temper and history of conflicts at the workplace.
Interpersonal dynamics within Dorgan’s life appear complicated, with one anonymous coworker suggesting he expressed conflicting views on transgender acceptance. Colleagues were aware of Dorgan’s ownership of firearms but were uncertain about the extent of his gun collection.
The shooter’s brief service in the Marine Corps, which lasted less than three months, raised questions about his military background. According to military records, Dorgan was separated due to a discharge that indicated an incongruity with the Corps’ standards.
Following the shooting, community members expressed deep sorrow and concern. Witnesses described heart-wrenching scenes, including parents frantically searching for their children outside the arena. Local leaders have expressed their condolences and called for re-evaluation of gun laws in light of this tragedy.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, affected by the loss, shared his anguish, reflecting on the broader implications of gun violence. This incident comes less than two months after another tragic shooting in the state, underscoring the urgent need for dialogue around gun safety and mental health resources.
As the investigation unfolds, the community grapples with the reality of violence, seeking to heal from the trauma inflicted on this otherwise joyful event. Families, students, and the broader community find themselves united in grief, while calling for actions to ensure the safety of their spaces in the future.