A mass shooting unfolded Monday afternoon in Pawtucket at the Dennis M. Lynch arena during a high school hockey game, leaving two people dead, three others critically injured and a community in shock.
Authorities said the gunfire erupted while the game was underway, with players on the ice and families filling the stands. According to police, the shooter entered the arena during the event and opened fire, unleashing what investigators described as a rapid series of shots.
Witnesses reported chaos inside the rink as spectators ducked behind bleachers, rushed toward exits and shielded children. Players were ushered off the ice and into locker rooms as coaches and arena staff attempted to secure the building. Law enforcement responded within minutes after multiple 911 calls reported shots fired.
Police have identified the shooter as Roberta Esposito, also known as Robert Dorgan. Authorities said Dorgan died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigators confirmed that two victims, Dorgan’s son and ex-wife, were killed in the shooting. Three additional victims, identified as Dorgan’s former in-laws and the ex-wife’s boyfriend, sustained critical injuries. They were transported to area hospitals, where they remain in serious condition.
Officials said the firearm used in the shooting had been legally purchased. Dorgan held a valid license-to-carry permit issued in Florida, according to police. Authorities are continuing to examine how the weapon was transported and whether there were any prior warning signs leading up to the violence.
Investigators spent hours processing the scene Monday evening, collecting evidence inside and outside the arena. Police have not yet released details about a potential motive but indicated that the shooting appears to be domestic in nature. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to establish a clearer timeline of events.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said:
“It appears that this was a targeted event, that it may be a family dispute. We cannot release the names of the victims because obviously, we want to speak to the family, make sure the family is well aware of what happened before we release that information publicly.”
City and school officials said counseling services will be made available to students, players, staff and families affected by the tragedy. Grief counselors are expected to be present at local schools in the coming days.
Community members gathered outside the arena Monday night, some embracing and others standing in silence as emergency vehicles remained parked nearby. Local leaders called the incident a devastating act of violence that has deeply shaken the city.
Authorities urged anyone with additional information or video footage from inside the arena to contact law enforcement as the investigation continues.
