The shooter who killed his ex-wife and adult son at a youth hockey game in Rhode Island on Monday was subdued by bystanders but drew a second gun and killed themself, police said Tuesday.
Robert Dorgan, 56, who police said also went by the first name Roberta and by the last name Esposito, opened fire at the ice rink in Pawtucket as the family's other son was playing in a youth hockey game, Police Chief Tina Goncalves said.
"It was their senior night, and there was no expectations or any indication that there was going to be any type of violence," Goncalves said at a news conference Tuesday.
Dorgan's ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and adult son Aidan Dorgan were killed, Goncalves said.
Rhonda Dorgan died at the scene, and Aidan Dorgan died after he was rushed to a hospital, she said.
Three other people — Rhonda Dorgan's mother and father and a family friend — were shot and wounded and were in critical care Tuesday, Goncalves said.
The shooting happened around 2:30 p.m. Monday at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, a town north of Providence, officials said.
Video showed panic and players on the benches ducking for cover after shots rang out.
Others at the arena stepped in after the shooting, and at least three bystanders confronted the shooter, Goncalves said.
"At that time, the suspect did reach for a second firearm, and he did inflict a self-inflicted gunshot wound, which is what he succumbed to on scene," she said.
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The motive remained under investigation Tuesday, Goncalves said.
The suspect had previously attended their son's hockey games, she said.
Police were conducting search warrants Tuesday, and the police department has several videos from both the livestream of the event and parents who were at the arena and recording their children, Goncalves said.
Goncalves asked anyone with videos or other information to contact police.
"Our hearts go out to the families that were affected, obviously the children on the ice — this was supposed to be a joyous event for them," she said.
Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien on Tuesday thanked the bystanders who intervened, saying they "stepped in without hesitation, placing themselves in harm's way to stop that shooter."
"Their courage undoubtedly prevented further loss and injury, and we thank them for that," Grebien said.
The Dorgan family said in a statement Tuesday, "We are all deeply and profoundly affected by the recent events that took place at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena."
"We are reminded that behind every headline is a family experiencing profound pain and loss," the family said. "We care greatly for all families impacted by this recent tragedy and our thoughts are with them."
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988, or go to988lifeline.orgto reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at800-273-8255or visitSpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
