Pawtucket Ice Rink Shooting Leaves Three Dead and Three Injured

A shooting at a Rhode Island ice rink killed 3 people and hurt 3 others. This is a very sad day for the city of Pawtucket because it happened at a kids' game.
By Newsroom | Crime, Rhode Island |

A violent event at a Rhode Island ice rink left multiple people dead and others injured, sending terrified hockey players and spectators fleeing. The incident unfolded during a high school hockey game, disrupting a night meant for sport and community.

The attack occurred at the Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on a Monday afternoon. Witnesses reported hearing what they initially mistook for balloons popping, followed by the reality of gunfire. Young athletes, still in their full hockey gear, rushed from the ice and the stands to seek safety in nearby stores. This sudden eruption of violence transformed a typical sporting event into a scene of panic and fear.

Details of the Incident

  • Location: Lynch Arena, Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

  • Date: A Monday afternoon.

  • Event: A high school boys' hockey game.

  • Fatalities: Three individuals died, including the shooter.

  • Injuries: Three others were critically wounded and hospitalized.

  • Shooter Identification: The perpetrator was identified as Robert Dorgan, aged 56.

  • Shooter's Actions: Dorgan died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.

  • Initial Reports: Some accounts suggest the shooting involved Dorgan targeting his family members.

Evidence and Witness Accounts

Initial reports indicate that the gunfire was first perceived as the sound of balloons popping by some present. Olin Lawrence, a 16-year-old goalkeeper, described this initial confusion. The sounds of gunfire were mistaken for balloons popping by some on the ice.

Video footage captured the moment of the shooting, showing players and spectators scrambling for cover. This evidence offers a glimpse into the rapid descent into chaos.

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Terrified Rhode Island hockey players fled from Robert Dorgan on their skates to nearby stores after 'balloon popping' gunfire left multiple dead: Live updates - 1

The Shooter: Robert Dorgan

Robert Dorgan, 56, has been identified as the individual responsible for the shooting. Police reports confirm that Dorgan died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves stated that Dorgan was present at the game to watch a family member play.

  • Dorgan reportedly used the female alias Roberta Esposito.

  • Reports suggest he was the father of a hockey player.

  • Some accounts indicate he had a history of expressing strong views against anti-trans hate, particularly in legal disputes.

The Aftermath and Response

Emergency services responded to the scene at Lynch Arena. Law enforcement, including the ATF Boston, were present. The immediate aftermath saw tearful families and young players, still in uniform, being escorted from the arena and boarding buses to leave the area.

Police Chief Tina Goncalves addressed reporters, confirming the identities and the tragic outcome of the incident. Investigators are working to piece together the full sequence of events and interviewing witnesses.

Terrified Rhode Island hockey players fled from Robert Dorgan on their skates to nearby stores after 'balloon popping' gunfire left multiple dead: Live updates - 2

Witness Intervention

Chief Tina Goncalves also mentioned that an individual at the scene reportedly intervened and attempted to disarm the shooter, potentially limiting further casualties. This intervention is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation. An individual's attempt to disarm the shooter is a key detail being investigated.

Read More: Rhode Island Ice Rink Shooting Kills Two Amidst Family Dispute

Broader Context

The shooting occurred at a time when Pawtucket, a city of about 80,000 people, was not primarily known for such incidents. The arena itself, Lynch Arena, has been the focus of media attention following the event. The incident also comes nearly two months after another act of gun violence in Rhode Island at Brown University, which resulted in fatalities and injuries.

Unanswered Questions

  • What was the specific motive behind Robert Dorgan's actions?

  • Who were the intended targets of the shooting?

  • What was the nature of the family disputes or legal battles Dorgan was involved in?

  • Did the intervention by another individual have a direct impact on the number of victims?

Conclusion

The shooting at the Pawtucket ice rink has resulted in a tragic loss of life and significant injury. Robert Dorgan, identified as the shooter, died by suicide at the scene. Investigations are ongoing to understand the full scope of the events and the perpetrator's motives. The community is left to grapple with the trauma of violence intruding upon a youth sporting event.

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was the shooter at the Pawtucket Lynch Arena on Monday?
The police say the shooter was 56-year-old Robert Dorgan. He died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after attacking people at the rink.
Q: How many people were hurt in the Rhode Island hockey game shooting?
Three people died in the attack, including the shooter himself. Three other people were badly hurt and are now in the hospital for treatment.
Q: Why did the shooting happen at the Lynch Arena in Pawtucket?
Police believe Robert Dorgan went to the game to see a family member play. Reports say the shooting might have started because of a fight within his family.
Q: What did the hockey players do when the shooting started in Pawtucket?
Many young players were still in their hockey gear when they heard the shots. They ran off the ice and hid in nearby stores to stay safe until the police arrived.
Q: Did anyone try to stop the shooter at the Rhode Island ice rink?
Yes, the Police Chief said one person at the rink tried to take the gun away from the shooter. This brave act may have saved other people from getting hurt during the event.