What began as an ordinary Monday afternoon at a Rhode Island ice skating rink turned into a scene of terror when gunfire shattered the air inside a packed arena. Families gathered for a youth hockey game suddenly found themselves fleeing for safety as shots rang out.

Two adults were killed, three others were critically injured, and the suspected gunman, identified as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. In the hours that followed, Dorgan's daughter publicly claimed that her father had long struggled with mental health issues.

Theshootingunfolded shortly before 2.30pm at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, around five miles outside Providence. According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, officers arrived to find one victim dead inside the arena, while a second later died in hospital.

Three additional victims were transported to hospital in critical condition, where they remained on Monday night.

The rink was hosting a youth hockey game at the time, with teams from Coventry Johnston co op and St Raphael Providence Country Day North Providence North Smithfield co op playing. The match was being livestreamed online. In footage later verified by US media, players were initially confused before scrambling for cover as spectators rushed for the exits.

Police confirmed that the suspect was found dead at the scene from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Goncalves described the violence as a targeted event that may have stemmed from a family dispute. She said investigators believe the conflict involved one family and possibly a family friend.

'We have several witnesses that are at the station,' she told reporters. 'We are going to put together a story before we release information, to make sure that the information put out there is accurate and correct.'

The names of the victims have not yet been publicly released. Authorities have not detailed the exact relationship between Dorgan and those killed and injured, citing the ongoing investigation.

The FBI confirmed it was assisting local and state law enforcement. FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau would provide any necessary resources, adding there was no imminent threat to public safety.

Source: International Business Times UK