Gunman opens fire at Hockey game killing two as identity revealed

A gunman opened fire and killed two family members at a hockey game in Rhode Island.

The frightening scenes took place at the Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island at around 2:30 pm. Six local schools had been taking part in a high school hockey event, which was being livestreamed.

Panic took over in the stands at the indoor ice rink as members of the public scarpered for the exits, with the shooter killing two people and leaving a further three in critical condition in hospital.

Footage of the terrifying situation quickly emerged online, as players and those in the stands rushed to escape.

Police continue to gather further information but said they believed that the incident was a "targeted event" and may be the result of a "family dispute".

The Pawtucket police chief, Tina Goncalves named the suspect as Robert Dorgan, a transgender father who also went by the female alias Roberta Esposito.

His son was a senior at North Providence High School, who were participating in the hockey event.

"We have identified the person, the suspect, by a birth name, the birth name was Robert Dorgan,” Goncalves said, as per the New York Post.

“We have also learned that the person does go by the name of Roberta, also uses a last name of Esposito.”

Dorgan, 56, is reported to have shot at his son’s mother and their three children as well as a family friend who was also present. No names of victims have yet been released but WPRI reported that the mother died at the scene, before a child later passed away at hospital.

Goncalves added that the Dorgan, the suspect, turned the gun on himself and "appears to have died from a self-inflicted gun wound. Police also said that a bystander stepped in and thwarted Dorgan to bring a “swift end to the tragic event".

It has been reported that more than 10 shots were fired in quick succession as spectators hurried to flee.

In a statement, Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien said: “What should have been a joyful occasion, with dozens of families, students, and supporters gathered to celebrate Senior Night … was instead marked by violence and fear.

"Our prayers go out to the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this devastating incident."

He added: “Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning. We will stand together to support all those affected in the difficult days ahead, and we will keep the public updated as confirmed facts become available.”

A woman identifying herself as the daughter of the shooter spoke to reporters at Pawtucket Police Department headquarters and said, “He shot my family and he’s dead now.”

She added that the individual struggled with “mental health issues,” and was “very sick.”