by Pawtucket, Rhode Island — A youth hockey game in Rhode Island turned deadly Monday afternoon when gunfire erupted inside a crowded ice arena, leaving two people dead and three others critically injured, authorities said.
According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, officers responded to the arena around 2:30 p.m. after receiving reports of shots fired. The shooting occurred during the early moments of a high school hockey matchup, sending players, coaches and spectators scrambling for safety.
Police identified the suspected shooter as Robert K. Dorgan, who reportedly went by the name Roberta Esposito. Authorities said the suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
Shooting unfolded during game
Video from the youth sports streaming service LiveBarn, aired by local affiliate WJAR, shows chaos breaking out near one of the team benches as gunfire rang out. Players on the ice are seen taking cover while others rushed toward exits leading to locker rooms.
Witness accounts indicate at least a dozen shots were fired, with spectators and athletes fleeing for safety.
Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island stated on social media that one individual in the stands attempted to disarm the shooter. Chief Goncalves later said that person’s actions likely contributed to the swift end of the violence.
Victims hospitalized
Rhode Island Hospital confirmed that three victims remain in critical condition with gunshot wounds. Officials have not yet publicly identified the deceased victims.
Authorities indicated the suspect appeared to target family members, though the investigation remains ongoing.
“This kind of violence, especially in a place meant for families and youth, is devastating,” Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said in a statement.
Students reported safe
School officials confirmed that students participating in the hockey game were not harmed.
North Providence Superintendent Joseph B. Goho said that although the incident involved spectators, all student-athletes were accounted for and safe.
Coventry schools and Saint Raphael Academy also confirmed that none of their students were injured.
Law enforcement response
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Rhode Island State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Providence Police officers assisting local authorities.
Gov. Dan McKee expressed support for the community, saying he was praying for everyone affected.
The shooting marks the 41st mass shooting in the United States within the first 47 days of the year, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive.
Community shaken again
The tragedy comes just two months after a separate shooting at Brown University in Providence left two students dead and nine others injured, further rattling the state.
Lawmakers across Rhode Island condemned the violence.
“An ice arena should be a safe place for kids and families to come together,” Rep. Gabe Amo said in a statement.
Police say they are continuing to piece together a timeline of events leading up to the shooting and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
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As the investigation continues, the Pawtucket community is left grieving a violent act that shattered what was meant to be a night of youth sports and family gathering.
Community members are encouraged to share condolences and reflections respectfully in the comments below.
