A bombshell twist has emerged after a high school ice hockey game descended into horror on Monday afternoon (February 16), leaving two dead and multiple others critically injured.
Families, friends, and community members had gathered at the Lynch Arena to celebrate ‘senior night’ for the Blackstone Valley Schools’ hockey teams
This game is an annually cherished tradition, honoring graduating players.
Instead, what was meant to be a night of pride and camaraderie became the scene of a devastating act of violence.
“I realized it was gunshots”
Authorities were called to the arena shortly after 2:30 pm local time, responding to reports of an active shooter.
Panic erupted inside the rink as students, coaches, and spectators struggled to comprehend the unfolding nightmare.
Some players initially mistook the sound of gunfire for balloons popping.
Coventry player Olin Lawrence recounted the first terrifying moments: “I thought it was balloons popping at first – it was just like ‘bop, bop,’ and then it didn’t stop.
“That’s when we realized it was gunshots.”
People in the arena scrambled for cover, diving beneath benches as others fled toward the exits.
The rapid succession of gunshots left little time for anyone to react, and witnesses described the scene as surreal and terrifying.
“It was very scary. We were very nervous,” Lawrence said.
Who was the shooter?
Police have identified the suspected shooter as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
Initial reports indicated that the attack may have involved family members in a domestic dispute, with investigators confirming that at least one adult family member was among those targeted.
Dorgan also went by the name Roberta Esposito, and had separated from their wife in 2020 due to differing opinions on ‘gender reassignment surgery as well as ‘narcissistic personality disorder traits.’
FBI director, Kash Patel, posted on X (formerly Twitter) to inform citizens that officers were responding to the fatal Rhode Island shooting.
He wrote: “We will provide state and local law enforcement any and all resources necessary and keep the public updated as we are able. In the meantime please pray for the victims and their families.”
Family members describe the ‘weight of the loss’
Stepdaughter of the shooters ex-wife, Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, wrote: “The weight of this loss is something no one should ever have to bear, especially at such young ages.
“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and especially the hockey community. Your kindness and generosity have given us strength and hope when we need it most.”
Just hours after the deadly Rhode Island shooting, a woman who claimed to be Dorgan’s daughter claimed that they ‘have mental health issues.’
“He shot my family, and he’s dead now,” she told WCVB.
Disturbing footage is locked
The ice hockey game was being live streamed for those who couldn’t make the event, meaning that the Rhode Island shooting was captured in its entirety
In footage that is now locked, students could be seen on the ice when the first gunshots were heard.
The first few shots were separated by just seconds, the rest then occured in frantic succession.
People could be seen darting for exits in the heartbreaking clip, with players ducking beneath benches in order to avoid the deadly gunshots.
A bombshell twist unfolds
Authorities confirmed that the two individuals killed in the vicious attack were Dorgan’s former wife, Rhonda, and his 23-year-old son, Aidan Dorgan.
Not only this, but Aidan’s grandparents were among those injured in the attack, and are currently in critical condition, fighting for their lives.
Video footage saw Rhonda’s youngest son Colin Dorgan, 17, watch the tragedy unfold from the ice.
A GoFundMe page stated that Colin and his sister Ava, a 20-year-old nursing student, are heartbroken by the loss of their mother and brother at the hands of their dad.
The post reads: “Ava and Colin are determined to continue their education and build a life that honors the memory of our loved ones.”
Aiden and his girlfriend of five years, Starr, appear to have gotten engaged last October.
“I love doing life with you,” she wrote on an Instagram post for Valentine’s Day, just 48 hours prior to the Rhode Island shooting.
Authorities reported that Rhonda died at the indoor skating rink, while Aidan was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
