A man who opened fire at a Rhode Island ice rink on Monday killed his ex-wife and their adult son before taking his own life, according to police. The attack at the Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket occurred during a high school hockey game, leaving two other family members and a family friend in critical condition.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves identified the deceased as Rhonda Dorgan and her son Aidan Dorgan. The shooter, 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, died from a self-inflicted gunshot. The injured were identified as Rhonda Dorgan's parents, Linda and Gerald Dorgan, and family friend Thomas Geruso, all in critical condition.
The shooting took place around 2:30 pm. Goncalves stated that Dorgan entered the arena to watch a family member's game. At least three bystanders intervened, attempting to subdue him, which helped end the incident quickly. However, Dorgan managed to reach a second firearm and fatally shot himself.
Player Olin Lawrence, who was on the ice during the attack, described hearing what he initially thought were balloons popping. He and his teammates took shelter in the locker room. The Rhode Island Interscholastic League suspended all games following the incident.
Governor Dan McKee expressed devastation, offering mental health resources. Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien called the event a tragedy, noting it occurred on Senior Night, a celebratory occasion. The shooting follows a similar incident at Brown University two months prior.
