PAWTUCKET, RI — Two people were killed and three others were critically injured Monday after gunfire erupted inside a Rhode Island ice skating rink, according to Pawtucket police. Investigators described the attack as apparently targeted and said the suspect died at the scene from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The shooting happened around 2:30 p.m. at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, about 5 miles from Providence. Police identified the suspect as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also used the name Roberta Esposito.
Officials said the three people who survived the shooting were taken to a hospital in critical condition and remained there Monday night. Police have not publicly identified the victims.
Police say the violence was tied to a family dispute
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said investigators believe the shooting was family-related and may have started with a dispute. She also said a family friend was involved in the conflict that preceded the gunfire.
The chief did not describe the relationship between the suspect and the victims, but the wording of the police briefing pointed to a personal conflict rather than a random attack. Authorities said the scene was secured after the shooting and that the investigation was continuing.
Because the arena was hosting a game at the time, the violence unfolded in a public setting with children and families nearby. Police said the incident appears to have been isolated to the people involved in the dispute.
A Good Samaritan stepped in during the chaos
Goncalves said a bystander acted quickly and tried to subdue the suspect during the incident. Police credited that intervention with helping stop the situation from becoming even more dangerous.
The chief did not detail exactly how the Good Samaritan became involved, but said the person’s actions likely limited further harm. That account suggests the confrontation was still active when someone nearby decided to step in.
Investigators have not said whether the Good Samaritan knew anyone involved before the shooting. Police have also not released additional information about how the suspect died beyond the initial description of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
FBI agents joined the response as schools checked on students
The FBI responded to the arena and said it would help state and local authorities with any resources they need. FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement that there was no imminent threat to public safety.
That message came as schools connected to the rink’s activities began contacting families. The superintendent of one of the schools playing at the time sent a note to parents saying every student on the team was safe.
The response underscored how quickly a local shooting can become a wider emergency when young athletes, parents and staff are present. Officials worked Monday to account for everyone who had been at the arena.
Officials identify the suspect and confirm the death toll
Authorities said Dorgan, 56, died at the scene after the shooting. Police said he also used the name Roberta Esposito, but did not explain why he used both names.
The two people who were killed and the three survivors were all part of the same chaotic scene inside the arena, according to police. Their names and ages were not immediately released.
By Monday night, officials were still confirming details about the victims and the sequence of events. Police said the three injured victims remained in critical condition.
McKee and federal officials react to the Pawtucket attack
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said on social media that he was praying for Pawtucket and everyone involved. His comments came as the city and surrounding community absorbed the news of the deaths and injuries.
The FBI’s statement emphasized that there was no ongoing danger to the public, a reassurance intended to calm concerns after the shooting in a crowded indoor venue. Officials did not announce any additional suspects.
Anyone dealing with suicidal thoughts, substance use or another mental health crisis can call or text 988 for free, round-the-clock help. The 988 Lifeline can also be reached online at 988lifeline.org or by calling 800-273-8255.
Local news that matters, from Dulaney Griffin.
