PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) — A tragic shooting at a youth hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including the alleged shooter, and left three others in critical condition following the incident that occurred on Monday evening. The Pawtucket Police Department is currently investigating the violent occurrence that unfolded inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, located just outside of Providence.

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves revealed that the shooter, identified as Robert Dorgan, born in 1969 and also known by the name Roberta Esposito, was present at the arena to watch a family member participate in the hockey event. The police chief confirmed that Dorgan died from what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound as the situation escalated.

Chief Goncalves stated, "It appears that this was a targeted event, that it may be a family dispute." Though details regarding the victims remain limited, it has been indicated that both of the deceased victims were adults. The ongoing investigation involves interviewing numerous witnesses who were present during the chaotic scene and reviewing video footage from the game. Unverified clips circulating on social media depict players taking cover while spectators fled upon hearing gunfire.

Tearful families, along with high school hockey players still in their uniforms, were observed outside the arena sharing embraces and emotional farewells as they prepared to leave the area. The grim incident comes just shortly after another shooting tragedy in Rhode Island, which occurred approximately two months prior at Brown University, where a gunman fatally injured two students and wounded nine others before ultimately taking his own life.

Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien reacted to the tragic event, expressing sorrow over the impact on the community. He stated, "The fortunate thing is that the two incidents are not related, but it is very tragic. These are high school kids. They were doing an event, they were playing with their families watching, a fun time, and it turned into this."

Pawtucket, a city with a population just under 80,000, has historically been known for being the home of Hasbro's headquarters. The local community is now grappling with the aftermath of this shocking event as authorities continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Vigilant measures and community support will likely be crucial in navigating the road to healing in the wake of such a distressing incident.