The man who opened fire at a local hockey game last week, identified as Robert Dorgan, has been confirmed as the father of Kevin Colantonio, the individual convicted of setting fire to a Black church in 2024. Officials say both cases point toward a troubling pattern involving extremist right-wing ideologies.

The investigation into the hockey-arena shooting began shortly after the incident unfolded during a community match attended by families, players, and local residents. Witnesses reported sudden chaos as gunshots erupted inside the building, causing players and spectators to scramble for safety. While the motive behind the shooting is still under review, the revelation that Dorgan is related to Colantonio has drawn renewed attention to possible ideological motives.

Law enforcement officials say the discovery of the familial connection has raised new questions about whether extremist beliefs may have influenced both men. Dorgan, described by some acquaintances as a quiet but rigid individual, reportedly consumed far-right media and expressed views aligned with racist rhetoric. Investigators say they are now reviewing his online activity, communications, and personal associations.

Colantonio, his son, gained national attention two years earlier after he set fire to a historically Black church. The 2024 attack generated widespread outrage, drawing condemnation from community leaders, civil-rights groups, and political figures across the country. At the time, prosecutors argued that the arson was driven by racist motivations, describing Colantonio as a follower of radical, right-wing ideology. He was later convicted on multiple charges.

The similarities between the two cases have put pressure on investigators to explore whether these were isolated acts or part of a broader influence pattern within the family. Officials emphasize that while no direct operational connection between the two incidents has been established, the ideological overlap is difficult to ignore.

Community advocates say the situation underscores a growing problem: the spread of extremist rhetoric in online spaces where individuals can be radicalized without direct organizational recruitment. According to experts who study domestic extremism, cases like the Dorgan-Colantonio connection may reflect how such rhetoric is normalized within certain social environments.

Authorities have not released detailed findings, but they confirm that both men subscribed to far-right content online. Investigators are analyzing whether Dorgan may have been motivated by ideological beliefs similar to those that influenced his son.

Local residents who attended the hockey game described a scene of shock as the shooting unfolded. Parents shielded their children, players rushed off the ice, and spectators fled toward exits. No deaths were reported, but several attendees suffered injuries during the chaos, and the emotional impact on the community has been profound.

The rink where the incident occurred is a well-known gathering place for youth sports and recreational events. Community leaders say the shooting has shaken a sense of safety long associated with the venue. In response, local authorities have increased security at public facilities and are hosting forums to reassure residents.

Meanwhile, the church that Colantonio set ablaze in 2024 continues its restoration efforts. The congregation, largely composed of Black families, has spoken out about the trauma the fire caused and the lingering fear tied to racially motivated attacks. Church leaders say the recent revelations make the pain of the past resurface.

Civil-rights advocates argue that the connection between the two cases highlights the ongoing threat of racially motivated violence. They say the proximity of the incidents — both involving acts of aggression and both linked to extremist beliefs — serves as a reminder that such ideologies do not exist in isolation. Instead, they may spread within households, social circles, or online communities.

Law-enforcement agencies, including state investigators and federal partners, are now working to determine whether Dorgan had been involved in extremist groups or whether his beliefs were self-reinforced through digital platforms. Experts note that the rise of online radicalization has made it increasingly difficult to track individuals who may be absorbing extremist content.

Officials stress that the investigation is ongoing and that conclusions should not be drawn prematurely. However, they acknowledge that the ideological alignment between father and son is a critical component of the review. Detectives are working to understand what may have influenced both men and whether intervention opportunities were missed.

The hockey-arena shooting has reignited conversations about public-venue safety. Although the motive remains unclear, community members point to the broader issue of ideological violence, emphasizing the need for stronger monitoring, better mental-health support, and more community-level education to combat extremism.

As the investigation continues, both incidents remain painful reminders of how extremist beliefs, when left unchecked, can lead to real-world harm. For Rhode Island residents and the affected church congregation, the connection between Dorgan and Colantonio has reopened old wounds and raised new questions about the influence of radical ideology within American society.

The coming weeks are expected to bring more clarity as investigators release additional findings. For now, officials say their priority is ensuring community safety, supporting affected families, and addressing any emerging threats linked to extremist beliefs.