BREAKING: Man Opens Fire At A High School Boys Hockey Game In Pawtucket, Mass

A high school boys’ hockey game in Pawtucket descended into chaos Monday afternoon after a shooting left two people dead and three others critically injured, according to local authorities.

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan, adding that he was born in 1969 and also used the name Roberta Esposito. Goncalves said the suspect died at the scene from what investigators believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The shooting took place inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, where several schools had gathered for senior night hockey games. Goncalves said the suspect had gone to the arena to watch a family member who was playing in the game, and emphasized that the incident appeared to be targeted and rooted in a family dispute, not a random act of violence.

Authorities declined to release any information about the victims at this time.

Goncalves credited a witness for helping bring the situation to a rapid conclusion, saying the intervention likely prevented even more bloodshed. “A Good Samaritan stepped in and interjected in this scene, and that’s probably what led to a swift end of this tragic event,” she told reporters Monday night.

Federal agents from the FBI and the ATF responded to assist state and local law enforcement as the investigation unfolded. Police secured the arena and interviewed witnesses as families were escorted out and the community attempted to process the shock of violence at a youth sporting event.

Pawtucket, located about 45 miles south of Boston, is now left grappling with the aftermath of a tragedy that struck during what was meant to be a celebration of student athletes. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.