The gunman who opened fire on family members at a high school hockey match in Rhode Island has been identified as a transgender woman who has been accused of having a ‘personality disorder.’

Robert Dorgan, 56, fired at least a dozen shots in the stands at the Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket on Monday afternoon, killing two people before turning the gun on himself, in what authorities have called a ‘family dispute.’

Dorgan also went by the name ‘Roberta’ and used the last name ‘Esposito,’ Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed at a news conference Monday night, as questions remained about the tragedy.

At least two people were killed in the tragedy, including reportedly Dorgan’s ex-wife, Rhonda, and a family friend.

Three others were also left in critical condition at a local hospital. 

Goncalves said that the suspect entered the ice rink Monday afternoon to watch the ‘Senior Night’ hockey game, which a ‘relative’ had been playing in when he opened fire at around 2.30pm.

Authorities arrived on the scene within a minute and a half, and have spoken to more than 100 witnesses as the investigation into the fatal shooting continues. 

‘We’re looking at all avenues,’ Goncalves said, adding: ‘It’s going to be a very busy 24 to 48 hours.’ 

Hockey players were seen ducking down on the sidelines after an unidentified gunman opened fire at a high school game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on Monday

After about a dozen shots were fired, the hockey players were seen racing to the back of the Dennis M Lynch Arena

Livestream footage from the game showed players starting to duck down on the sidelines after about six shots rang out at the rink.

Other players who were on the ice scrambled to reach the sidelines and get to safety. 

After a total of about a dozen shots were fired as spectators could be heard screaming and crying. 

Other footage from the scene appeared to show a man in a white beanie walking down the stands and opening fire into the crowd.

The sound of gunshots soon led others in the stands to turn their heads and flee the scene as the gunman kept firing. 

Following the shooting, a woman told WCVB that her father was the shooter. 

‘He shot my family, and he’s dead now,’ the unidentified woman said, adding that he ‘has mental health issues.’ 

A source with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives explained to Fox News that the gunman shot and killed his wife and opened fire on his children before turning the gun on himself.

Two people were killed in the tragedy, which authorities said stemmed from a ‘family dispute’

Hockey players on the ice were not harmed as the shooting occurred in the stands near spectators. 

Footage from the scene appeared to show a man in a white beanie walking down the stands and opening fire into the crowd.

The sound of gunshots soon led others in the stands to turn their heads and flee the scene as the gunman kept firing. 

One hockey player also described the chaos he felt on the ice.

‘I was on the ice and I thought it was balloons at first – it was like “bop, bop,” and I thought it was balloons, but this kept going – and it was actually gunshots,’ Olin Lawrence recounted.

‘And after the gunshots, me and my teammates ran right to the locker room and we just bunkered up and we pressed against the door and we tried to stay safe down there.

‘But it was very scary, we were very nervous.’ 

One hockey player described how he and his teammates barricaded themselves in the locker room following the shooting

The ‘Senior Night’ hockey game was between a co-op team made up of Coventry and Johnston kids, playing against another co-op team from St. Raphael, PCD, North Providence, and North Smithfield schools. 

The tournament started at 2pm, and shots were fired just about half an hour later.

‘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,’ Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien said.

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

‘Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning,’ he continued. ‘We will stand together in support of those affected in the difficult days ahead and we will keep the public updated as confirmed facts become available.’ 

North Providence Public Schools Superintendent Joseph Goho has since assured the public that no student athletes were injured.

‘The North Providence High School co-op hockey team which also includes North Smithfield, St. Raphael Academy, and Providence Country Day School were playing in a hockey game when the shooting involving spectators occurred around the start the first period,’ he said in a statement. 

‘Fortunately, all students involved in the game are safe,’ he added.

An unidentified woman was seen crying following the deadly shooting

A father is seen hugging his son outside of the Lynch Arena following the deadly shooting

Parents and teenagers were seen walking to an evacuation bus following the shooting

‘At this point, all other information is preliminary and has not been confirmed officially, but it is important to inform everyone that our students, and the students from the other communities who participate on the co-op hockey team, are safe.’

Still, Goho shared his sympathy for those affected by the shooting, saying: ‘Our thoughts and prayers go out to those involved in this tragic incident.’ 

It was not a school day due to President’s Day, a federal holiday. 

Tragic photos of the scene showed parents holding on tightly to their children as they evacuated to the parking lot on Monday afternoon.

Footage also showed parents with their hands on their heads and children – some still wearing their hockey uniforms – crying.

A large yellow school bus was also seen parked outside the arena, along with multiple police officers who roped off the crime scene.

Multiple ambulances were also seen arriving then quickly fleeing to nearby hospitals and one victim was seen being taken out of the arena on a stretcher. 

After shots rang out at the indoor hockey rink, terrified children also ran into a nearby Walgreens pharmacy, screaming, an employee told WPRI.

Police and ATF agents are seen investigating the deadly shooting on Monday

FBI Boston said the agency is aware of the deadly shooting and have ‘responded to the scene.’ 

‘We stand ready to assist our partners at the Pawtucket Police Department and @RIStatePolice with any and all resources they need.

‘At this time, there is no imminent threat to public safety and there has been no request for FBI assistance. However, the public should continue to avoid the area,’ the FBI added.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee also released a statement saying he is ‘praying for Rhode Island.’

‘Our state is grieving again,’ he said of the tragedy, which comes just months after Cláudio Manuel Neves Valente shot 11 people at Brown University, also in Rhode Island.

‘As governor, a parent and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families, students and everyone impacted by the devastating shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.’

The governor then went on to thank first responders and urged anyone who needed support to call 988.

‘Agencies across my administration are working together to provide additional mental health resources to students and families this week,’ McKee said.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.