Gunfire at the Rink: Family Dispute Turns Deadly at Rhode Island Hockey Game

From Cheers to Chaos

What was meant to be an ordinary afternoon of youth sports quickly descended into chaos as gunshots echoed across the ice.

On Monday, families gathered inside Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to watch a high school hockey game. Instead, they witnessed a deadly act of violence that has left a community shaken and searching for answers.

Authorities say the shooting was the result of a personal family dispute that unfolded in one of the most unlikely of places: a rink filled with children, parents, and spectators.

What Happened

The shooting occurred around 2:30 p.m. as players were on the ice and families filled the bleachers. According to the Pawtucket Police Department, the gunman opened fire from the stands, sending players scrambling toward locker rooms and spectators rushing for exits.

Emergency responders arrived within minutes, securing the arena and transporting victims to nearby hospitals. Investigators later confirmed that the violence was not random but targeted toward specific individuals connected to the suspect.

Victims and Suspect Identified

Police identified the suspected shooter as Robert Dorgan, 56, who authorities say died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Dorgan was reported to have previously undergone a gender transition and had also used the name Roberta Esposito.

Among those killed were Dorgan’s ex-wife and their adult son. Three additional victims including extended family members remain in critical condition.

Law enforcement officials stated that the incident stemmed from an ongoing family dispute. Authorities have not publicly detailed the precise motive.

Federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, assisted local officials in the response and investigation.

A Bystander’s Intervention

In the aftermath, police credited an unnamed bystander with intervening during the shooting, helping bring the violence to a swift end.

While officials have not released detailed information about the individual’s actions, they suggested the intervention likely prevented additional casualties.

It was a rare moment of courage amid a scene of fear.

A Community in Mourning

Outside the arena, families embraced in tears as roads were shut down and emergency vehicles lined the streets.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed condolences to the victims’ families, calling the incident heartbreaking and pledging state support for those affected.

For residents of Pawtucket, the rink has long been a gathering place for youth sports and community bonding. Now, it stands as the site of a tragedy that has deeply unsettled the city.

From Celebration to Crisis

Sporting events are often symbols of unity, spaces where competition and community meet. Monday’s violence shattered that sense of safety.

As investigators continue piecing together the timeline of events, Pawtucket mourns lives lost in a space once associated with joy, teamwork, and family pride.

The echoes of skates on ice have been replaced, at least for now, by the heavy silence of grief.

Sources:

The Guardian/ CBS News/ Boston Globe