As Rhode Island grieves, here's everything we know about Pawtucket ice rink shooting

Multiple vigils have been held in the days after the deadly shooting at a hockey rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, left three dead, including the suspect, and three others critically injured, as the community grieves and tries to process this latest act of violence to rock the state.

The person who opened fire Monday during a youth hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena was specifically targeting family members, killing an ex-wife and son as many fans dived for cover while a handful rushed the shooter to stop the attack, authorities said.

Pawtucket shooting victims

Pawtucket Chief of Police Tina Goncalves said the shooter’s ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and adult son Aidan Dorgan were killed and three others were injured: Rhonda Dorgan’s parents, Linda and Gerald Dorgan, and a family friend Thomas Geruso, all of whom remained in critical condition Tuesday afternoon, Goncalves said.

What we know about the Pawtucket shooter

Police identified the shooter as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Dorgan also went by the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano, authorities said.

Goncalves said there was “no indication” there would be violence at the ice rink in Pawtucket on Monday afternoon, adding that Dorgan had been to many hockey games to watch family members play before without incident.

Gender identity apparently was a contributing factor to Dorgan’s wife filing for divorce in 2020 after nearly 30 years of marriage.

Court filings show Rhonda Dorgan initially wrote “gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic + personality disorder traits” as reasons for filing but crossed that out and wrote “irreconcilable differences which have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage.”

Court documents show that two shared the same last name even prior to getting married. Authorities have not provided additional details about the same name.

Under the name Roberta Dorgano, Dorgan posted on X that Rhonda Dorgan “hates the person who stole her husband” while posting about the couple’s marital troubles in 2018. A year later Dorgan wrote on social media: “Transwoman, 6 kids : wife – not thrilled,” and encouraged people to not let being transgender stop them from creating a family.

A day before the shooting, Dorgan responded on X to anti-transgender posts by actor Kevin Sorbo and Infowars conspiracy theorist Alex Jones by saying that constant criticism of transgender people is “why we Go BERSERK.”

Brutal attack ended when fans rushed to stop shooter

Goncalves on Tuesday credited several “good Samaritans” who intervened and quickly stopped the attack

At least three bystanders were able to contain Dorgan in the middle of the stands as the crowd fled and ran around them, but said Dorgan was still able to reach for a second firearm and died of a self-inflicted gunshot, Goncalves said.

The hockey game was livestreamed by LiveBarn, a streaming platform for youth sporting events, whose videos have been shared on social media showing players on the ice as popping sounds are heard. Chaos quickly unfolds as players on benches dive for cover, those on the ice frantically skate toward exits and fans flee their seats.

LiveBarn’s social media account has been issuing warnings to those who shared the video that they do not have permission to do so.

Michael Steven, who recorded video after the shooting, recalled crying parents trying to locate their children outside the arena and young people being taken out on stretchers.

“It happens far too often in our nation,” Steven told reporters.

Members of the community held a vigil at Slatersville Congregational Church in North Smithfield in the evening Tuesday.

“It’s absolutely mind-boggling that this could happen to people we know and love and support through everything,” said Amy Goulet, whose son is a hockey player in the community.

Good Samaritan who intervened speaks out

As the community struggles to process the tragedy, a good Samaritan who intervened is sharing what he saw in the moments the shooting began.

Michael Black had been watching the game with his wife when he heard the gunfire.

“I heard two pops, and it sounded like big balloons popping,” he said.

Realizing something was wrong, Black urged his wife and her friends to run. Moments later, he spotted the shooter.

“I saw the gun, and I took a step and jumped down, grabbed the gun, tried to knock the person down — which I was able to do,” he said. “I was able to get the gun away.”

Black said his hand was injured during the struggle.

“My hand got mangled in the shooter’s gun, so they wrapped it and brought me to the police station,” Black said. “The detectives were exceptional.”

North Providence High School hockey team connection

Black was among dozens gathered to honor seniors, which includes a surviving member of the Dorgan family on the North Providence High School hockey team. The superintendent confirmed the student is on the team and said the district “extends its heartfelt condolences to the Dorgan family and everyone impacted by the senseless incident at the Lynch Arena.”

Family friends say the emotional toll is immense.

“It’s unfortunate. The brother didn’t deserve it. The mom didn’t deserve it. Everybody in the hospital — nobody deserved it,” said Ethan Kasht, who knew the victims.

Kasht said the surviving teenager faces an unimaginably difficult road ahead, but he believes he will not face it alone.

“He’ll get through it. He’s got a bunch of good people around him,” Kasht said. “Big community to be with him and support him, so he’ll be alright.”

Friends, community mourn victims

Loved ones say the violence has shaken everyone who knew them.

“It’s really sad. It should never have happened over the reason,” said family friend William Soares. “No one deserved to have that happen to them.”

Across northern Rhode Island, communities are coming together — holding vigils, organizing grief sessions and leaning on one another for support.

“Rhode Island’s a big hockey state, just like Mass. is a big hockey state,” said Kristin Koloski. “My kids played in that rink for years, and it’s emotional when this happens.”

Mourners gathered at Slatersville Congregational Church in North Smithfield for a candlelight vigil Tuesday night.

“People in this church were there when it happened. People in this church were on the ice when it happened. This has affected communities throughout the state, this one especially,” Pastor Sean Amato said earlier Tuesday. “I think the best thing that we can do is just come together and be nice to each other.”

The hockey coach at Blackstone Valley Schools spoke after a service at the church.

“Last night, our safe space, our home, was violated,” said Chris Librizzi.

The shooter’s surviving son plays for his team.

“My player, a senior, who is suffering at this time with his sister, please send all prayers and support their way,” he said.

The city is offering mental health support services for anyone affected by the shooting at the Blackstone Valley Visitors Center.

Governor’s statement

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee on Wednesday ordered flags at all state buildings and facilities to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the victims of the shooting. Flags will remain at half-staff through Sunday, Feb. 22.

“Hearts are heavy across Rhode Island as we grieve this tragedy,” McKee said in a statement. “We continue to hold the victims and their families in our hearts. Now is the time for Rhode Islanders to stand united and show compassion for one another. Now is a time for togetherness.”

Shooter known for bad temper, co-worker says

Dorgan was an employee of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, a ship building facility in Bath, Maine, that contracts with the U.S. Navy, David Hench, a spokesperson for the shipyard, said Tuesday. Co-workers said Dorgan often used the first name Roberta at work.

A colleague, Destiny Mackenzie, recalled that she and Dorgan would often talk about family. Mackenzie said Dorgan’s ex-wife never came up in conversation but a hockey-playing son was a frequent topic.

“What was supposed to be some seniors’ only chance at playoff games is now ruined,” she wrote in a message to The Associated Press. “Images that these kids and family’s now have to live with. That’s who I send my condolences to is those families.”

Mackenzie also said Dorgan had a bad temper that sometimes led to screaming matches with colleagues.

Another co-worker said Dorgan appeared to be split on the issue of transgender acceptance, one second being proud of transitioning and the next, embarrassed. That co-worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of workplace reprisals, said they knew Dorgan owned guns but was unsure how many.

Dorgan briefly served in the Marine Corps, enlisting on April 26, 1988, according to military records provided by the service. Less than three months later, on July 13, Dorgan was separated from the service with the lowest military rank.

Maj. Jacoby Getty, a Marine Corps spokesman, told The Associated Press that the rapid discharge indicated Dorgan’s character “was incongruent with Marine Corps’ expectations and standards.”

Getty declined to provide more detail.