PAWTUCKET, R.I. — The daughter of the man accused of carrying out a deadly shooting at a Pawtucket ice rink spoke publicly Monday evening, describing her father as “mentally ill” following the attack that left two people dead and three others critically injured.

Authorities identified the suspect as Robert K. Dorgan, 56, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito. Police allege that Dorgan opened fire during a high school boys’ hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena before dying from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Speaking outside Pawtucket police headquarters, Ava Dorgan identified the suspect as her father.

“My father was the shooter. He shot my family, and he’s dead now,” she told reporters. She characterized him as “very sick,” attributing the violence to long-standing mental health struggles.

According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, the shooting occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. during a Senior Night matchup between Saint Raphael Academy and an opposing high school hockey team.

Police said the attack stemmed from a family dispute. One victim died at the scene, and a second victim later died at a local hospital. Three additional individuals remain in critical condition.

None of the players on the ice were physically harmed, though the gunfire caused panic throughout the arena.

Livestream footage captured the sound of multiple gunshots erupting from the stands, prompting players to duck for cover and spectators to flee. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as families ran toward exits and nearby businesses to escape the violence.

Chief Goncalves said a bystander intervened and attempted to subdue the gunman, an action she credited with potentially preventing further casualties. Officers arrived within approximately 90 seconds of receiving the initial report of shots fired.

Investigators have since interviewed more than 100 witnesses and are requesting that anyone with additional video footage come forward.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting local authorities in the ongoing investigation.

Court records reviewed following the shooting indicate that Dorgan had a documented history of family conflicts, some of which involved disputes related to gender identity.

In early 2020, Dorgan reported to the North Providence Police Department that he had undergone gender reassignment surgery and alleged that his father-in-law wanted him removed from a shared residence as a result.

According to court documents, Dorgan claimed he had been threatened if he did not move out. Charges were filed at the time but were later dismissed.

Additional records show that Dorgan previously accused his mother of assault and disorderly conduct in a separate dispute; that case was also eventually dismissed.

Dorgan’s former spouse, Rhonda, referenced gender reassignment surgery and personality traits in an initial divorce filing in 2020 before amending the petition to cite “irreconcilable differences.”

The divorce was finalized in June 2021.

Authorities have not formally released the names of the victims, though multiple reports indicate that Dorgan’s ex-wife is believed to be among those killed.

Law enforcement officials are also examining social media posts believed to be associated with Dorgan. Some accounts reportedly contained alarming or aggressive language in the days leading up to the shooting. Authorities have not confirmed the authenticity of those accounts or whether they are directly connected to a motive.

As of Tuesday morning, investigators had not publicly identified a definitive motive for the attack beyond describing it as stemming from a family dispute.

Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien said the tragedy disrupted what was intended to be a celebratory 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.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed condolences and urged residents in need of support to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

“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.”

State officials said additional mental health resources will be made available to students and families affected by the tragedy.

Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active and that further details will be released as they are confirmed.