What was supposed to be a joyful senior night celebration at a Rhode Island hockey game ended in horror when gunfire erupted inside a crowded arena, leaving two people dead and three others critically injured.

The shooting took place at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, where students, families, and supporters had gathered to honor graduating players from Blackstone Valley Schools’ hockey teams.

Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien described the incident as a “terrible tragedy.”

“Family and friends were gathered today at a hockey game at Lynch Arena to celebrate senior night, bringing together communities across the state,” Grebien said.

“Instead, an act of senseless violence has taken the lives of two innocent victims, with the suspect taking his own life.”

Players Describe Terrifying Moments

Students who were on the ice when the shooting began later recounted the frightening moments that followed.

Coventry player Olin Lawrence said he initially thought the sounds were balloons popping somewhere inside the arena.

“I was on the ice and I thought it was balloons at first. It was like ‘bop, bop,’ and I thought it was balloons, but this kept going, and it was actually gunshots,” Lawrence recalled.

“Me and my teammates ran right to the locker room and we just bunkered up and we pressed against the door and we tried to stay safe down there.

“But it was very scary, we were very nervous.”

Players, coaches, and spectators rushed to find cover as panic spread throughout the arena.

Authorities later confirmed that one victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while a second victim died after being transported to a nearby hospital. Three additional victims remain hospitalized in critical condition.

Police have also indicated that the actions of a bystander may have helped prevent the situation from becoming even more deadly.

Investigation Focuses on Suspect

Police identified the suspected shooter as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also reportedly used the name Roberta Esposito. Authorities said the suspect died at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Investigators believe the shooting may have been connected to a domestic dispute involving family members who were attending the hockey game.

According to reports, authorities believe the suspect targeted their wife and children before turning the weapon on themself.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed his condolences as the investigation continues.

“As Governor, a parent, and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families, students and everyone impacted by the devastating shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket,” McKee said.

Community Left Searching for Answers

Federal authorities have joined local law enforcement in investigating the shooting.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal agents were assisting with the case and pledged support for Rhode Island authorities.

“We will provide state and local law enforcement any and all resources necessary and keep the public updated as we are able,” Patel wrote on X.

“In the meantime please pray for the victims and their families.”

As investigators continue gathering evidence, many questions remain unanswered about what led to the deadly violence.

Disturbing Social Media Activity Emerges

In the aftermath of the shooting, attention has turned to a series of social media posts allegedly linked to Dorgan.

According to reports, several posts contained racist, antisemitic, and pro-Nazi rhetoric.

One of the suspect’s final posts, reportedly shared on February 15, was a response to a video praising Adolf Hitler. In the comment, Dorgan allegedly wrote: “Really nice but a c***k made that song.”

Another post allegedly shared on February 16—the same day as the shooting—included a false claim regarding the President of Switzerland’s religious background.

The posts have drawn significant scrutiny online, with many questioning whether the suspect’s online activity could provide insight into their mindset before the attack.

Authorities have not publicly stated whether the social media posts played any direct role in the shooting, and investigators have not announced a motive.

Court Records Reveal Family Dispute

Court documents obtained by local outlet WPRI indicate that Dorgan and their wife, Rhonda, separated in 2020.

According to the filings, the separation involved disagreements surrounding gender reassignment surgery as well as what were described in court records as “narcissistic + personality disorder traits.”

While investigators continue examining the suspect’s personal history and relationships, officials have not released any final conclusions regarding what may have motivated the attack.

Ongoing Investigation

As the Pawtucket community mourns, authorities continue working to establish a complete timeline of events.

Officials say the investigation remains active and will involve reviewing witness statements, digital evidence, forensic findings, and other materials gathered from the scene.

For many residents, however, the immediate focus remains on supporting the victims, their families, and everyone affected by a tragedy that transformed a night of celebration into heartbreak.