by North Providence, Rhode Island — The adult son of the man responsible for the deadly shooting at a Pawtucket ice arena last week is currently serving a federal prison sentence for setting multiple fires at a church in 2024, according to court records and local reports.
Kevin Colantonio, 37, was sentenced last June to 78 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to igniting fires outside Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries in North Providence.
Federal prosecutors said Colantonio used gasoline and a lighter to spark five separate fires outside the church building in February 2024. The church serves a predominantly Black congregation of about 100 members. Fortunately, no one was inside at the time and no injuries were reported.
Investigators later described the act as intentional and motivated by extremist ideology.
Federal Sentence and Prison Term
Colantonio received a sentence of nearly seven years behind bars and is currently incarcerated at Federal Medical Center Fort Worth.
According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, his projected release date is December 2029.
Court documents cited in local reporting indicate investigators recovered materials from his home that reflected racially motivated extremist beliefs.
Connection to Arena Shooting
Colantonio is one of six children of Robert Dorgan, who carried out the fatal shooting at Dennis M. Lynch Arena earlier this week.
Authorities said Dorgan fatally shot his former spouse and their 23-year-old son before taking his own life. Three other individuals were critically wounded during the incident.
Law enforcement officials have not publicly confirmed a motive for the arena shooting but said Dorgan appeared to hold a personal grievance against members of his family.
Colantonio was the half-brother of Aidan Dorgan, who was killed in the arena attack.
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Extremist Background Raises Questions
Public records and prior reporting indicate Dorgan had a history of posting extremist and white supremacist content online.
Officials have not confirmed whether ideology played a role in the Pawtucket shooting. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with authorities continuing to analyze digital and forensic evidence.
The fact that both father and son were involved in separate violent criminal cases within a year has drawn attention in Rhode Island communities.
Investigation Continues
The case surrounding the arena shooting is being investigated by the Rhode Island State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Officials have not announced additional arrests related to the arena shooting, and they continue reviewing evidence gathered from search warrants and digital devices.
Community leaders have emphasized the importance of recognizing early warning signs of violent extremism and intervening before situations escalate.
As more details emerge, the focus remains on accountability, healing and understanding how such incidents can be prevented in the future.
What are your thoughts on how communities can better address warning signs of extremist violence? Share your perspective in the comments below.
