A tragic shooting occurred during a youth hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, leaving three people dead, including the shooter, and three others seriously injured. Authorities report that the shooter, Robert Dorgan, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was there to watch a family member play.
According to Police Chief Tina Goncalves, this incident seems to stem from a family dispute. The shooter’s identity was confirmed, but details about the victims remain limited. Investigators are speaking with many witnesses and reviewing footage from the arena.
Footage shared on social media shows a chaotic scene, with players seeking cover and fans fleeing. Outside the arena, families and players comforted each other, visibly shaken by the event.
This violence comes just weeks after another shooting incident in Rhode Island. At Brown University, a shooter claimed two lives and injured nine others before taking his own life. Fortunately, the Pawtucket shooting is not linked to that previous tragedy, as noted by Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien.
The increased gun violence in the U.S. is alarming. As reported by the Gun Violence Archive, there have been over 600 mass shootings in 2022 alone. Many communities are grappling with the effects of gun-related violence, urging leaders to take action.
In Pawtucket, a city of about 80,000 that is known for its rich history and connection to Hasbro, residents are left to mourn and reflect. This incident has sparked conversations on social media about community safety and the need for change.
For more information on gun violence trends, you can refer to the Gun Violence Archive.
The impact of such tragedies goes beyond immediate victims. They’ve led to a broader dialogue on mental health and violence prevention, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions to ensure safety in public spaces.
