Horror at RI Hockey Arena: Family Dispute Turns Deadly as Chaos Erupts in Stands
A routine youth hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, descended into unimaginable terror on Monday afternoon when a heated family dispute exploded into gunfire inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena. What began as a celebratory “Senior Night” matchup between local high school teams quickly became a scene of panic and bloodshed, leaving families, players, and spectators traumatized.
According to authorities, the incident unfolded just before 3 p.m. during a game featuring a co-op team from Coventry and Johnston against a Blackstone Valley Schools squad that included players from North Providence High School, among others. The arena, typically filled with the sounds of skates cutting ice and cheering parents, was shattered by the crack of gunshots from the stands.
Witnesses described a father, attending to watch a family member play, suddenly opening fire in what police have labeled a targeted domestic incident. Early reports indicate the shooter fired multiple rounds, striking five individuals—including close family members—before turning the weapon on himself. Two victims were killed at the scene or shortly after, while three others were rushed to local hospitals in critical condition. The shooter, later identified as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan (who also used the name Roberta Esposito), died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves addressed the media in a somber press conference, emphasizing that the violence appeared confined to a specific group rather than a random attack. “It appears that this was a targeted event, that it may be a family dispute,” she stated. “Yes, it is family related.” Investigators have interviewed dozens of witnesses, including traumatized parents and players who were evacuated by bus to the police station for safety and questioning.
The chaos erupted in seconds. Livestream footage, captured by attendees sharing the game online, shows the horrifying moment: players freezing on the ice as pops echo through the rink, spectators ducking behind seats and benches, and parents instinctively shielding children. Screams fill the audio as people scramble toward exits, some tripping over scattered gear and flowers meant for Senior Night honors. One clip circulating widely online captures the abrupt halt of play—the puck left idle—as confusion gives way to full panic.
“Watch the disturbing video below 👇” has become a common caption on social media shares, though officials have urged caution in viewing such graphic material.
The victims included members of the shooter’s immediate family. Reports suggest the gunman targeted his ex-wife, children, and possibly a family friend seated together in the stands. One adult daughter of the suspect spoke briefly to reporters outside the police department, visibly shaken. “My father was the shooter,” she said. “He shot my family, and he’s dead now. He has mental health issues… he was very sick.” She declined further comment, heading toward a vehicle amid the growing media presence.
Court records and prior reports indicate a history of family tensions, including disputes that reportedly intensified in recent years. Some sources point to conflicts tied to the suspect’s gender identity transition, though police have not officially confirmed this as a direct motive. The focus remains on piecing together the timeline and relationships involved, with authorities withholding full victim names pending family notifications.
The response from first responders was swift. A “good Samaritan”—described by Chief Goncalves as a brave individual who intervened—helped subdue the situation, potentially preventing even greater loss of life. Multiple weapons were recovered from the scene, and the investigation continues with assistance from state officials.
For the young athletes on the ice, the afternoon turned from excitement to horror. A 16-year-old goalie from one team recounted hearing the shots while in net: “I’m overwhelmed, but trying to stay calm. You don’t know what it feels like until you’re in it.” Players in full gear were seen sprinting across the ice to safety as officials cleared the building. No students or players were reported injured, a small mercy amid the tragedy.
The Rhode Island Interscholastic League immediately suspended all upcoming games “out of respect for the victims and to reflect upon this senseless act of violence.” Community leaders echoed the sentiment. Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien expressed the city’s grief: “Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning. We will stand together to support all those affected in the difficult days ahead.”
This incident marks another painful chapter in Rhode Island’s recent history of gun violence, coming just months after a separate shooting at Brown University that claimed lives. For the tight-knit hockey community—where families bond over early-morning practices and weekend tournaments—the attack feels especially personal. Parents who once shared bleachers now grapple with shared trauma, and children who idolized the game must process why a place of joy became one of fear.
As investigations deepen, questions linger: What warning signs, if any, were missed? How did longstanding family strains boil over in such a public, violent way? Mental health resources and domestic violence support are being highlighted by advocates in the wake of the event.
For now, the Dennis M. Lynch Arena stands silent, its ice empty, a stark reminder of how quickly normalcy can shatter. The chilling livestream videos continue to circulate, serving as a grim digital archive of the moment panic overtook a community event. Families across Rhode Island—and beyond—mourn the lives lost and hold those injured in their thoughts, hoping for healing in the days to come.
