A youth hockey game, usually a scene of excitement and camaraderie, turned into a nightmare in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, this past Monday. What began as an ordinary afternoon at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena quickly descended into chaos when 56-year-old Robert Dorgan opened fire, killing his ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their adult son, Aidan Dorgan. Three others – Rhonda’s parents and a family friend – were also injured in the devastating attack.
Police confirm that Robert Dorgan, who also went by Roberta Esposito, died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators are piecing together the events, noting that Dorgan had attended many games without incident before, and there was no prior indication of violence.
The horrific incident was even captured on LiveBarn, a streaming platform for youth sports, with videos circulating online showing players scrambling for cover as shots rang out. The swift intervention of an unnamed “good Samaritan” is being credited by police for helping to contain the shooter, preventing further tragedy, though Dorgan was still able to reach a second firearm before taking their own life.
The ripple effects of this tragedy are profound. Witnesses recalled scenes of crying parents searching for their children and young people being stretchered out of the arena. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed the state’s collective grief, stating, “My heart breaks for the victims, families, students, and everyone impacted.” This incident, following another recent shooting, has reignited urgent conversations about gun violence and its devastating impact on communities. The Pawtucket community now faces the difficult task of healing from this senseless act of violence that shattered a day meant for sport.
