A man who opened fire at a Rhode Island ice rink killed his ex-wife and adult son before taking his own life, police have confirmed. The shooting occurred on Monday afternoon during a high school hockey game at the Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.
Police identified the shooter as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan. His victims were Rhonda Dorgan, his former wife, and Aidan Dorgan, his son. Three others were injured: Rhonda Dorgan’s parents, Linda and Gerald Dorgan, and family friend Thomas Geruso. All three remained in critical condition.
Authorities said Dorgan entered the arena and opened fire during the game. At least three bystanders intervened, attempting to subdue him, which helped contain the attack. Dorgan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police chief Tina Goncalves said.
The shooting was captured on a live stream but later removed. Witnesses described hearing gunshots and seeing panicked families flee. Player Olin Lawrence told NBC he initially thought the sounds were balloons.
Governor Dan McKee expressed devastation, offering mental health resources. Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien called the incident a tragedy, noting it occurred during Senior Night, a celebration for high school athletes. The Rhode Island Interscholastic League suspended all games following the shooting.
