A youth hockey tournament in Rhode Island turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy when a shooter opened fire inside an arena, killing two people and critically injuring three others in what authorities believe was a “family dispute.”
The suspect, identified as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito, carried out the shooting during a high school hockey event at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.
The violence unfolded in front of students, families, and spectators gathered for the co-op games involving six schools.
In the aftermath, Dorgan’s distraught daughter spoke briefly to reporters outside the Pawtucket Police Department, confirming her father’s role in the deadly incident and describing his ongoing struggles.
Daughter says 'my father was the shooter'
The woman, who did not give her name, was exiting the police station when she told NewsCenter 5 'my father was the shooter.'
“He shot my family, and he’s dead now,” she said while hurrying away from the station, flanked by a man and child.
She added that her father suffered from 'mental health issues,' saying they were 'very sick,' but did not provide additional details.
The daughter said she was unsure who among her relatives had been killed or wounded and was heading to the hospital to find out.
According to police, Dorgan died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after opening fire on their son’s mother, their three children, and a family friend.
Dorgan was the father of a senior at North Providence High School, one of the schools participating in the tournament, WPRI reported.
Deadly shooting leaves community reeling
Authorities confirmed that Dorgan was found dead inside Lynch Arena along with one other fatal victim. A second victim later died at the hospital. Three additional victims remain in critical condition.
A little girl is believed to be among the dead, according to the Pawtucket mayor’s office.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said during a press conference that the shooting is being investigated as a 'family dispute.'
Terrifying footage shows panic inside arena
Livestream footage captured the horrifying moment Dorgan reportedly moved from the back of the stands to the front before opening fire. Approximately 11 shots rang out as players and spectators dropped to the ground.
Athletes still on the ice rushed toward the edge of the rink, appearing to seek cover behind the barrier before fleeing toward the locker room.
Others who were trapped on the bench scrambled for the exit, with some abandoning their skates in the box as they tried to escape.
A group of students ran to a nearby Walgreens, where employees locked down the store and contacted authorities.
One witness claimed that a player’s father initially disarmed Dorgan, but the shooter allegedly had another weapon and resumed firing.
Students from Coventry, Johnston, North Providence, and North Smithfield high schools were present at the arena, along with others from St. Raphael Academy and Providence Country Day School.