A youth hockey game in the city of Pawtucket, in the state of Rhode Island, was the scene of a violent shooting that left at least two people dead and three injured this Monday.
One of the fatal victims would be a minor, the daughter of the attacker, and the second victim is his ex-wife, according to initial reports from local authorities, who also confirmed that the assailant took his own life after the incident.
The incident occurred at the Dennis M. Lynch arena during a match between the teams Coventry-Johnston and St. Raphael-Providence Country Day-North Providence-North Smithfield.
According to initial police reports, the alleged attacker, identified as Robert K. Dorgan —who also went by the name Roberta Esposito—, opened fire during the game apparently targeting his wife and two children and then took his own life.
The police chief of Pawtucket, Tina Goncalves, stated at a press conference that the attacker "apparently targeted family members present at the event," although she clarified that the investigation is still ongoing.
"Everything points to a possible family dispute," he/she added.
Images released by the sports streaming service LiveBarn and the local network WJAR show the moment multiple gunshots are heard behind one of the benches. The players run towards the exits while spectators and coaches try to find safety.
A good Samaritan would have tried to disarm the attacker before he committed suicide, an action that, according to the police, "probably prevented an even greater tragedy."
"His efforts were heroic and allowed the event to end quickly," Goncalves noted.
The three gunshot victims were transported in critical condition to the Rhode Island Hospital, the same facility that recently treated the victims of the shooting at Brown University, which occurred just two months ago.
The shooting shocked Pawtucket and the entire state, which has one of the lowest homicide rates in the United States. Governor Dan McKee expressed his condolences on social media and stated that he is in contact with local authorities. “I am praying for Pawtucket and everyone involved,” he wrote on X.
"This type of violence, especially in a place intended for families and young people, is devastating," said the mayor of Providence, Brett Smiley. The neighboring mayor of East Providence, Bob DaSilva, also expressed his solidarity: "Our thoughts are with the Pawtucket community in light of this horrific incident."
Witnesses reported hearing "at least a dozen shots" inside the venue. "I ducked down and ran away. I thought I was going to die," recounted one of the young players interviewed by local media.
The case raises the number of mass shootings recorded in the United States to 41 in the first 47 days of 2026, according to the Gun Violence Archive. Although Rhode Island typically ranks among the safest states in the country, the recent wave of attacks—including the one at Brown University—has shaken the New England region.
The police continue to piece together the timeline of events and are seeking to clarify the exact relationship between the attacker and the victims. "It is a tragedy for our entire community," Goncalves concluded.
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