The rhode island shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket disrupted a senior night hockey tournament and left two people dead and three in critical condition, Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said.
Chief Goncalves identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan, who also used the name Roberta and the last name Esposito, and said the suspect died of an apparent self inflicted gunshot wound.
Footage and witnesses showed a man walking down the stands and firing about a dozen shots, prompting players to duck and parents to flee, video from the event appears to show.
A source with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives told Fox News that the gunman killed his wife and opened fire on his children before turning the gun on himself.
Authorities said the attack appeared to be targeted and may have stemmed from a family dispute, and they have interviewed more than 100 witnesses while reviewing game video.
Response And Background
Federal agents from the ATF and FBI Boston responded to assist local law enforcement, and the FBI said there was no imminent public safety threat at this time.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien and Governor Dan McKee issued statements offering support and urging those in need to call the 988 lifeline for mental health assistance, McKee thanked first responders.
The Rhode Island Interscholastic League suspended games temporarily, and the city set up a 211 hotline and grief counseling at a local visitor center for those affected.
Court records reported by local media show Dorgan had prior family related legal disputes linked to his gender identity, including police reports in 2020 and charges that were later dismissed.
Unverified social media posts claimed political support links for the shooter, but outlets noted those claims were not independently confirmed.
Officials asked anyone with additional footage from the hockey match to come forward as investigators continue to piece together the sequence of events.
