Suspect Identified in Rhode Island High School Hockey Game Shooting That Left 2 Dead, 3 in Critical Condition

The suspected shooter who opened fire during a high school hockey game in Rhode Island — killing two people and critically injuring three others — has been identified by police.

The shooting happened Monday, Feb. 16, around 2:30 p.m. local time at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, according to WPRI-TV. Authorities identified the suspect as Robert Dorgan, who also goes by the name Roberta. Police said the suspect died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to ABC News.

WPRI-TV reported, citing multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation, that the hockey player’s mother was killed at the arena and the player’s sibling later died at the hospital. A family friend and two other family members were also injured, the station reported.

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves told reporters that the three injured victims remain in critical condition, according to footage shared by CBS Boston. She did not provide further details about the victims but said the suspect had gone to the arena to watch a family member play.

During a news conference, Goncalves said investigators believe the shooting stemmed from a family dispute and described it as a targeted incident, according to CBS Boston. She also credited a bystander with helping bring the situation to a quicker end, saying a Good Samaritan intervened during the chaos.

Court records show the suspect had a history of family disputes and alleged conflicts involving their gender identity, WPRI-TV reported.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the Pawtucket Police Department said the city is working with local partners and mental health professionals to provide counseling and support services for those affected. Officials urged players, students, families, and staff to seek help in the aftermath.

Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien called the shooting “a terrible tragedy” in a statement shared by the city on X, noting that the game was intended to be a Senior Night celebration for the Blackstone Valley Schools cooperative hockey team during a matchup against the Coventry-Johnston cooperative team.

“Our prayers go out to the victims, their families, and everyone impacted,” Grebien said, also thanking first responders. He added that the city would continue sharing updates as confirmed information becomes available.

The Rhode Island Judiciary and the Pawtucket Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for additional information.