As per police statement, two people were killed and three critically injured in a shooting at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket. The suspect also killed or died by self-inflicted gunshot. He is also named- Roberta Esposito. The targeted incident occurred at Dennis M. Lynch Arena during a senior night event.
Yet, Police have not identified any of the victims, but said that the shooting was “targeted” and appeared to be a family dispute.
Pawtucket, Rhode Island — February 16:
A tragic shooting occurred Monday afternoon at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, where high school boys play hockey. The situation shook the entire area and prompted police to respond.
Multiple agencies, including the Rhode Island State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and several local police departments, responded to the scene shortly after the shooting began inside the arena.
What Happened Inside the Arena?
At the time of the incident, a hockey game was being played between Coventry/Johnston and Blackstone Valley Co-op, a team made up of players from St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, North Providence, and North Smithfield.
A video obtained by the Providence Journal from a sports live-streaming service appears to show approximately 13 gunshots fired within six seconds, followed by one additional shot about 11 seconds later. The shots came from an area not visible on camera.
It took several seconds before spectators and student-athletes realized what was happening. Once they did, panic spread quickly. People ducked, screamed, and ran toward the exits as the gunfire continued. After the shots stopped, witnesses rushed toward the spectator seating area.
Police Say Shooting Was Domestic in Nature
According to Tina Goncalves, Chief of the Pawtucket Police Department, investigators believe the shooting was domestic in nature.
The victims reportedly included members of the suspect’s family and a family friend. Authorities believe the shooter died by suicide following the incident. More than one firearm was recovered at the scene.
Chief Goncalves identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan, born in 1969, who also used the name Roberta and the last name Esposito. She confirmed that the individual went to the arena to watch a family member who was playing in the game.
Court records, according to WPRI-TV, indicate the shooter had a history of family-related disputes and prior legal issues. Police declined to release details about the victims.
Good Samaritan Helped Stop the Incident
Chief Goncalves credited a bystander for intervening during the chaos.
“A Good Samaritan stepped in and interjected in the scene, and that’s probably what led to a swift end of this tragic event,” she said.
Students Were Not Physically Harmed
All schools involved confirmed that no students or players were physically injured in the shooting. One of the schools was holding Senior Night, an event meant to honor graduating student-athletes and their families.
A 16-year-old goalie for the Coventry team said he was on the ice when the shots were fired.
“I’m overwhelmed, but trying to stay calm,” he said. “You don’t know what it feels like until you’re in it.”
Games Suspended Across Rhode Island
In response to the tragedy, the Rhode Island Interscholastic League announced it is temporarily suspending all games.
The league said the decision was made “out of respect for the victims and to reflect upon this senseless act of violence.”
Community in Shock
The shooting has left students, families, and the wider Rhode Island community struggling to process what happened during what was supposed to be a routine high school sporting event.
Investigators continue to review evidence and video footage as the community mourns and seeks answers.
