PAWTUCKET, R.I. — A tragic shooting at a high school hockey game in Rhode Island has left two people dead and three others in critical condition, with authorities identifying the gunman as Robert Dorgan, a 56-year-old father who also went by the female alias Roberta Esposito.
The incident unfolded on Monday afternoon at Lynch Arena during a game involving North Providence High School, according to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves. Dorgan, the father of a senior at the school, was seated near the back of the stands on the home team's side before moving to the front and opening fire, police said. The attack targeted four family members and one family friend, turning a routine sporting event into a scene of horror.
Robert Dorgan, who used the name Roberta Esposito, took his own life at the scene after the shooting, Goncalves confirmed during a press briefing. "Dorgan, 56, also uses the alias Roberta Esposito," the chief stated, providing the first public details on the suspect's identity. The motive remains under investigation, but sources close to the matter described the victims as connected to Dorgan's personal life.
According to reports from WPRI, a local news outlet, one of the fatalities was the mother of Dorgan's son, killed inside the arena amid the chaos. Another victim, identified as a sibling, succumbed to injuries at a nearby hospital. The three remaining victims, all in critical condition, were rushed to Rhode Island Hospital, where medical staff are working to stabilize them.
The game, which pitted North Providence against a rival team, had drawn a crowd of families and students on a crisp February afternoon. Witnesses described the sudden eruption of gunfire around 3:30 p.m., with screams echoing through the arena as spectators sought cover. "It was like something out of a nightmare," said one parent who declined to be named, recounting the pandemonium to arriving reporters.
Pawtucket police responded swiftly, securing the arena and coordinating with state and federal authorities. The investigation is being led by the Rhode Island State Police, with assistance from the FBI, given the domestic nature of the violence. No other suspects are being sought, officials said, emphasizing that the incident appears isolated to Dorgan's actions.
Details about Dorgan's background have emerged slowly. He resided in North Providence, a suburb of Providence, and was known in the community primarily through his son's involvement in school sports. Neighbors interviewed by local media portrayed him as reclusive, with little public interaction in recent years. The use of the alias Roberta Esposito has raised questions about his personal life, though police have not elaborated on the context.
"This is a devastating loss for our community," Goncalves said in her briefing. "Our thoughts are with the families affected, and we are committed to providing answers as the investigation progresses."
The shooting has prompted an outpouring of grief from the North Providence school district. Superintendent Mark Stewart issued a statement late Monday, canceling classes for Tuesday and offering counseling services. "Our students and staff are heartbroken," Stewart wrote. "We will support everyone through this difficult time."
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee addressed the tragedy in a televised remarks, calling it "senseless violence that has no place in our state." He pledged state resources for victim support and urged residents to come forward with any information. McKee's office has not yet commented on potential policy responses, such as enhanced security at youth events.
This incident marks the latest in a string of mass shootings at public gatherings across the U.S., though details specific to Rhode Island are sparse. In 2023, the state saw a rise in domestic-related violence calls, according to the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, but no direct links have been drawn to this case. Experts caution against speculation, noting that family disputes can escalate unpredictably.
At Lynch Arena, a venue used for local hockey and community events, cleanup crews worked through the night, removing evidence markers and restoring the ice rink. The arena, built in 1972, has hosted countless games without prior incidents of this magnitude. School officials confirmed the game was part of the regular season schedule for Division II teams.
Investigators are reviewing Dorgan's online activity and personal records to piece together a timeline. According to preliminary reports, he arrived at the arena alone, purchasing a ticket like other attendees. Security footage is expected to play a key role in reconstructing the sequence of events.
Community leaders in Pawtucket and North Providence held an impromptu vigil Monday evening, with candles lit in memory of the victims. "We need to heal together," said Pastor Elena Ramirez of St. Mary's Church, where many families attend. Attendance swelled to over 200, reflecting the tight-knit nature of the area.
As the story develops, authorities have asked for privacy for the victims' families. Autopsies are pending, and a full report on the casualties is anticipated within days. Rhode Island's congressional delegation has expressed condolences, with Senator Jack Reed stating, "My heart goes out to the brave first responders and the community reeling from this loss."
The broader implications of the shooting extend to discussions on mental health and firearm access in domestic settings. While Dorgan's weapon—a handgun, per police—was legally owned, questions about red-flag laws in Rhode Island have resurfaced. Advocacy groups like Everytown for Gun Safety noted that the state ranks moderately in gun violence prevention measures.
For now, the focus remains on recovery. Hospitals report the three critical patients are fighting for their lives, with surgeries ongoing. The North Providence hockey team, whose season is now in limbo, has postponed upcoming games indefinitely. As Pawtucket awakens to this new reality, the search for understanding continues amid profound sorrow.