Tragic Shooting at Dennis M. Lynch Arena: Details, Updates, and Community Response
The suspected shooter at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Robert Dorgan, had six children and often attended his son's hockey games. Dorgan's family revealed that he struggled with mental health issues and gender-identity concerns. A news conference with Pawtucket police, Mayor Donald Grebien, Gov. Dan McKee, and other officials is scheduled for 4 p.m. and will be broadcast live on various platforms.
In a GoFundMe campaign, Dorgan's family identified the two deceased individuals as his son, Aidan, and Aidan's mother, Rhonda. Two other family members were critically injured in the shooting. Dorgan, also known as Roberta Esposito, resided in Maine and worked at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works shipyard. The company expressed condolences to the victims and their families.
A white van with Maine license plates, believed to be Dorgan's, was towed from the arena where the shooting occurred. The incident took place during a high school hockey game, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to three others. The Rhode Island Interscholastic League has halted all games temporarily as a mark of respect.
Pawtucket police have set up a Family Assistance Center at 175 Main St. for individuals to retrieve belongings left behind at the rink. Items such as phones, purses, and blankets are being held for safekeeping. The return of equipment left in the locker rooms will be arranged at a later time.
This tragic shooting in Pawtucket follows a similar incident at Brown University in Providence two months earlier, where a gunman opened fire in a building. The shooter in that case was later found dead at a storage facility in New Hampshire. The community is deeply saddened by these senseless acts of violence.