By Gloria Ogbonna
A tragic and violent shooting at a community ice skating arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on Monday afternoon left two people dead and three others fighting for their lives in critical condition, according to law enforcement officials.
Authorities say the incident appears to have been a targeted attack connected to a family dispute, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The shooting occurred around 2:30 p.m. inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, a popular recreational facility located about five miles from downtown Providence. At the time of the shooting, people were present at the arena, including youth athletes and spectators, adding to the chaos and fear.
According to Tina Goncalves, chief of the Pawtucket Police Department, officers responded quickly after receiving reports of gunfire inside the building.
When police arrived, they discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while three others who had been shot were rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. As of Monday night, officials said the injured victims remained in critical condition, and their prognosis was unclear.
Suspect Identified, Died from Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound
Authorities identified the suspected gunman as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who was also known by the name Roberta Esposito. Police said the suspect died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound shortly after the attack.
Investigators believe the shooting was not random but instead stemmed from a personal and family-related dispute.
“This appears to be a targeted incident,” Chief Goncalves said. “It is family-related, and there was also a family friend involved in the dispute.”
Officials have not yet released details about the exact relationships between the suspect and the victims, but they emphasized that the violence was not considered a threat to the general public.
Good Samaritan Credited with Preventing Further Loss of Life
In the midst of the chaos, authorities say a brave bystander stepped in and attempted to stop the gunman, potentially preventing the situation from becoming even more deadly.
“A Good Samaritan intervened and tried to subdue the suspect,” Goncalves said. “Their actions may have kept the incident from getting possibly worse.”
Police praised the individual’s courage but did not release their identity.
FBI Assists Investigation, Officials Say No Ongoing Threat
Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation responded to the scene and are assisting local and state authorities with the investigation.
In a statement, FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau is providing resources and support to help investigators determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The FBI also reassured the public that there is “no imminent threat to public safety,” emphasizing that the incident appears to be isolated.
Students Safe, Community and Leaders React
At the time of the shooting, a school hockey team was present at the arena. Fortunately, school officials confirmed that all students were accounted for and safe.
Meanwhile, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed sorrow and support for the victims and their families.
“I am praying for Pawtucket and everyone involved,” McKee said in a message posted on social media.
Community Left Mourning and Searching for Answers
The shooting has left the Pawtucket community shaken, as residents struggle to process the violence that unfolded in a place typically associated with recreation, sports, and family activities.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as they work to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and provide answers to grieving families and a stunned community.
Officials are urging anyone with information to contact law enforcement as they continue their efforts to fully understand what led to this tragic loss of life.
Source ABC7
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