Tragedy at Rhode Island Ice Rink: Two Dead, Three Critical
A quiet afternoon at Pawtucket’s Dennis M. Lynch Arena turned into chaos and heartbreak when a lone gunman opened fire during a high school hockey game. What should have been a night of celebration, with families and friends cheering on student athletes, instead became a scene of panic and tragedy. Two people were killed, three others are in critical condition and authorities say the shooting was “targeted,” apparently rooted in a family dispute.
The suspect, identified as Robert Dorgan, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito, appears to have taken his own life. Police say the violence ended quickly thanks to a Good Samaritan who intervened, potentially preventing even greater loss of life. Law enforcement from multiple agencies, including the Rhode Island State Police and the ATF, responded immediately, conducting over 100 witness interviews as part of an ongoing investigation.
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Eyewitness accounts describe a terrifying scene. Spectators and players heard rapid gunfire, initially mistaking the first shots for balloons popping. Panic spread instantly as people ducked, fell and scrambled for the exits, some even being trampled in the rush to escape. The terror felt in those moments is hard to overstate — a normal evening shattered in seconds.
The local community is reeling. Mayor Donald Grebien called Pawtucket “a city in mourning,” while Governor Dan McKee offered support and additional mental health resources for students and families. The Rhode Island hockey community has also come together in tribute, with the #sticksoutforRI movement, placing hockey sticks outside homes as a symbol of solidarity and remembrance. Major sports teams, including the Boston Bruins and the New England Patriots, expressed heartbreak and extended condolences to those affected.
This tragedy also highlights the vulnerability of public spaces we often assume are safe. High school arenas rarely have robust security and hockey rinks in Rhode Island are closely connected communities where everyone knows each other. The attack is a stark reminder of how quickly normalcy can be shattered and why vigilance, awareness and mental health support are critical.
As investigations continue and families struggle with grief, the focus remains on the victims and those hospitalized, fighting for their lives. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward and the Dennis M. Lynch Arena will remain closed while police work to piece together the events of this devastating day.
Stay with us as we follow updates on this tragedy, the ongoing investigation and the community’s efforts to heal and support those affected. Keep informed and continue watching as more details emerge from Pawtucket.
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