Shooting at Pawtucket Ice Arena Leaves Three Dead, Several Injured

Authorities Describe Incident as Domestic Dispute Murder-Suicide; Community and Officials Respond

A shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket on Monday afternoon left three people dead, including the suspected gunman, and three others injured during a high school hockey game.

According to local authorities, the gunfire erupted around 2:30 p.m. during a Senior Night matchup between the Coventry–Johnston cooperative team and the Blackstone Valley co-op team, which includes players from St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, North Providence, and North Smithfield. The game was underway when shots rang out in the stands, sending spectators scrambling for safety.

Police have identified the suspect as 56-year-old Robert K. Dorgan of North Providence, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito. Authorities described the incident as a domestic violence situation that escalated into what investigators believe was a murder-suicide.

A source familiar with the investigation said the suspect fatally shot his ex-wife at the scene and later shot two of his children before turning the gun on himself. One adult daughter died at the hospital, while another child remains hospitalized with critical injuries. Three additional victims were transported to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment.

Pawtucket Police Department Chief Tina Goncalves said at least one of the deceased was a woman and described the shooting as appearing to stem from a “family dispute.” Officials have not released further details pending the ongoing investigation.

The suspected shooter was reportedly the parent of a senior hockey player participating in the game at the time of the shooting. The student was not physically injured.

Federal and State Response

The Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed that agents from its Boston field office responded to assist local law enforcement. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that federal resources would be made available as needed.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee said his administration is closely monitoring the situation.

“As Governor, a parent, and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families, students, and everyone impacted by the devastating shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket,” McKee said in a statement. He also expressed gratitude to first responders, hospital personnel, and mental health professionals who responded to the crisis.

The Providence Bruins, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Boston Bruins, issued a statement offering support to the affected families and the broader hockey community.

Schools Accounted for Students

Coventry Public Schools Superintendent Don Cowart confirmed that all members of the Coventry Boys Hockey team who were present at the arena have been accounted for and are safe. District officials coordinated with event staff and law enforcement immediately after being notified of the shooting.

Witnesses described scenes of panic inside and outside the arena. An employee at a nearby Walgreens reported that individuals ran into the store seeking safety and alerting staff to the unfolding emergency.

Ongoing Investigation

Investigators, including agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have emphasized that the incident appears to have been targeted and related to a domestic dispute, not a random act of violence.

Officials are urging anyone affected by the tragedy to seek counseling and mental health support as the community begins the difficult process of grieving.

The investigation remains active. Authorities say additional information will be released as it becomes available.