A shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on Monday afternoon left two people dead and three hospitalized in critical condition, according to police. The incident occurred during a high school hockey game and stemmed from a “family dispute.”
Details of the Shooting
Police identified the suspected shooter as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also went by “Roberta.” Dorgan reportedly shot five members of his child’s family, resulting in the deaths of the student’s mother and a sibling, both adults. The suspect then took his own life with a “self-inflicted wound.”
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed that a “Good Samaritan interjected” and attempted to subdue the shooter, potentially preventing further casualties. The police chief stated she would have more to report on Tuesday regarding questions about the shooter’s gender identity.
The Coventry School District confirmed that all students from the boys hockey team were accounted for and safe. Mental health resources are being made available to students and families.
Response and Reactions
FBI Boston agents and ATF Boston agents responded to the scene and offered assistance to local authorities. Providence Police also sent officers to assist. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee stated he was “praying for Pawtucket and everyone involved” and had spoken with the mayor and state police.
U.S. Congressman Gabe Amo expressed his condolences and gratitude for the first responders, noting the incident appeared targeted and posed no ongoing threat to the public. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Congresswoman Katherine Clark also expressed their support and called for action on gun violence.
The Providence Bruins also released a statement offering support to the community and commending first responders.
Recent History
This shooting comes a couple of months after a separate deadly shooting at Brown University in Providence, where Claudio Manuel Neves-Valente killed two students and injured others before fatally shooting an MIT professor in Brookline and then taking his own life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the shooting at the ice rink?
The shooting stemmed from a “family dispute,” according to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves.
Who was the suspect in the shooting?
The suspect was identified as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also went by “Roberta.”
Were any bystanders injured in the shooting?
Three people were shot and hospitalized in critical condition, in addition to the two fatalities.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, what steps can be taken to support those affected and prevent similar incidents in the future?
