Crime
Pawtucket Ice Rink Shooting Suspect Pictured, Dressed in Women’s Clothing
UPDATE: The suspected shooter has been identified by as Robert Dorgan, 56, of North Providence, who was also known as Roberta Esposito.
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — A source familiar with the situation told Channel2 NOW that the individual responsible for the shooting at the ice rink is the father of a North Providence High School senior.
The source stated they previously played hockey with one of the suspect’s sons, who was reportedly among those targeted during the incident.
According to the source, the suspect fatally shot his young daughter and opened fire on his ex-wife and another individual during his son’s Senior Night hockey game.
A tragic act of domestic violence unfolded Monday afternoon at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, where the father of a North Providence High School senior allegedly shot five members of his own family during a Senior Night hockey game.
Two victims died as a result of the shooting, and three others were critically injured before the gunman took his own life, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the investigation.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. during a Senior Night matchup featuring the Coventry-Johnston cooperative hockey team against the Blackstone Valley Schools team, which includes St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, and the public school districts of North Providence and North Smithfield.
The event had drawn dozens of students, parents, and community members to celebrate graduating seniors.
According to sources, the student’s mother was fatally shot at the rink. A sibling later succumbed to injuries at the hospital.
Three additional family members were transported to Rhode Island Hospital in critical condition. A spokesperson for Brown Health confirmed their status as of late Monday afternoon. Authorities have not released the names of the victims.
Video from a livestream of the game shows the moment violence erupted.
The footage captures the sound of rapid gunfire interrupting play on the ice, apparently originating from the stands.
At least 14 shots can be heard fired in quick succession, followed by one or two additional gunshots roughly 10 seconds later.
Players and spectators are seen scrambling off the ice and fleeing the seating area in panic.
The shooting prompted a massive law enforcement response. Police vehicles quickly surrounded the arena, and officers secured the scene.
Shortly afterward, numerous hockey players were seen gathered outside the facility—some still in socks after removing their skates—before being transported from the area for safety.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien described the shooting as a tragic and devastating event.
“What should have been a joyful occasion, with dozens of families, students, and supporters gathered to celebrate Senior Night, was instead marked by violence and fear,” Grebien said in a statement. He characterized the shooting as an isolated incident and expressed condolences to the victims and their families.
“Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning,” he added. “We will stand together to support all those affected in the difficult days ahead.”
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee also issued a statement, encouraging anyone in need of mental health assistance to contact 988 and announcing that additional counseling resources would be made available to affected students and families.
“Our state is grieving again,” McKee said. “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.”
Kash Patel, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, confirmed that agents from the FBI’s Boston Division responded to Pawtucket and are assisting in the investigation. He stated that federal authorities would provide any necessary resources to state and local law enforcement.
School officials moved quickly to reassure families. Providence Country Day School Head of School Kevin Folan informed families that all PCD students, parents, and staff who attended the game were safe. Johnston school officials similarly confirmed that all of their students were accounted for.
Coventry Superintendent Don Cowart sent updates throughout the afternoon, first confirming that all district students had been accounted for and later announcing that they had been reunited with their families. He noted that mental health resources would be made available to hockey players and their families in the days ahead.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the events leading up to the violence and the suspect’s actions inside the arena. Officials have emphasized that this appears to have been a targeted domestic incident rather than a broader threat to the public.
Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
Crime
Pennsylvania state police trooper Timothy O’Connor shot and killed in Chester County
A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Chester County on Sunday night, authorities confirmed.
The fallen officer was identified as Timothy O’Connor, a corporal with the Pennsylvania State Police.
Officials said O’Connor is survived by his wife, Casey, and their young daughter, along with his parents, Maureen and Tim.
Shortly after midnight Monday, Josh Shapiro, governor of Pennsylvania, announced the tragic news and ordered flags across the commonwealth to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Corporal O’Connor’s service and sacrifice.
According to George L. Bivens, acting commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, the incident began at approximately 8:16 p.m. Sunday when O’Connor responded to a report of an erratic driver in the Honey Brook area of Chester County.
Authorities said O’Connor located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop around 8:24 p.m. near the intersection of Route 10 and Michael Road in West Caln Township.
After the vehicle pulled over, O’Connor radioed in the stop — which would be the last communication officials received from him.
Investigators said that when O’Connor approached the driver’s side window, the suspect opened fire, shooting the trooper.
Police said the suspect, identified as a 32-year-old man from Chester County, then exited the vehicle, walked a short distance away, and took his own life at the scene.
When O’Connor failed to respond to follow-up radio calls, other troopers immediately rushed to the area, where they discovered the tragic situation.
O’Connor was transported to Paoli Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
Governor Shapiro later said he visited the hospital with O’Connor’s family following the tragedy.
“My heart breaks for Tim and Casey’s young daughter and their entire family,” Shapiro said. “Lori and I mourn with the Pennsylvania State Police family and with all of our law enforcement partners.”
Authorities closed Route 10 between Hill Road and Lammey Road in West Caln Township as investigators processed the scene and gathered evidence.
Law enforcement officials and community members across the state have expressed condolences to O’Connor’s family, fellow troopers, and loved ones as they mourn the loss of a dedicated officer who died in the line of duty.
Officials said additional details will be released as the investigation continues.
