A shooting incident at a hockey rink in Rhode Island on Monday resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including the shooter. Additionally, three others sustained injuries, and the two high school teams that were playing fled the ice as the situation unfolded. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves informed reporters that the shooter succumbed to an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Although police were not involved in the shooter’s death, authorities are continuing their investigation, she stated. “It seems that this was a targeted incident, possibly stemming from a family dispute,” she remarked. Goncalves did not disclose any information regarding the suspect or the ages of the deceased, although she indicated that both victims appeared to be adults.
The three injured individuals were taken to the hospital in critical condition. The shooting occurred in the stands of the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, located just a few miles from Providence.
Shooting At Ice Rink In Pawtucket
On Monday, the mayor’s office reported that two individuals lost their lives and three others sustained injuries in a shooting incident at a rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The shooter has also been confirmed dead, according to officials. The incident happened at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, where a significant police presence was observed on Monday.
Access to the entrance was restricted with tape. The police chief of Pawtucket identified the suspect as Robert Dorgan, who is also known by the name Roberta Esposito, she stated. In response to the tragic event, professional sports teams, including the Bruins and Patriots, expressed their condolences.
Chaos during a Hockey Event
The shooting incident began at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time inside the arena, where a youth hockey event was underway. Gunfire erupted in the audience, triggering panic among players, coaches, and spectators as they scrambled to escape to safety.
Unverified recordings captured the noise of several gunshots, with numerous spectators diving for cover or fleeing towards the exits. Some players dashed to the locker rooms, while others sought safety in adjacent areas outside the rink.
Police and Official Statements
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves characterised the shooting as a targeted event that may have originated from a familial dispute; however, she noted that the investigation is still in progress and many aspects remain ambiguous.
Authorities have also verified that the police were not accountable for the suspect’s demise, which seems to have been self-inflicted. Investigators are currently interviewing witnesses and examining video recordings in an effort to construct a timeline of the occurrences.
Community Reaction and Response
Outside the arena, grieving family members and hockey players in their uniforms were observed embracing and comforting each other. Roads in the vicinity were closed as emergency personnel, police, and medical teams responded to the incident.
Local officials conveyed profound sadness regarding the tragedy. Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien referred to the shooting as a heartbreaking incident, particularly considering the presence of numerous families and children.
Impact on the Sporting Event and Wider Community
The hockey match, which was broadcast live, was suddenly interrupted by the sound of gunfire resonating throughout the arena. Participants from both high school teams were safely accounted for and escorted away, with many appearing visibly distressed following the incident.
This shooting contributes to a concerning pattern of mass violence in the area, occurring less than two months after another tragic event at Brown University that resulted in the deaths of two students and injuries to several others. Authorities have emphasised that these incidents seem to be unrelated.
Ongoing Investigation
Federal agencies, including the FBI, have been called in to support local law enforcement in the investigation as officials strive to uncover the motives behind the attack and establish the connections between the suspect and the victims. Officials have requested that the public refrain from speculation until further details are confirmed and the families of the victims have been officially informed.
