Pawtucket Shooter's Son Set Fire to Black Church in 2024

Kevin Colantonio, the son of the man who opened fire at a high school hockey game, was convicted of arson at a predominantly Black church two years earlier.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Two years before Robert Dorgan opened fire at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, killing three people, his son Kevin Colantonio was convicted of setting fires at a predominantly Black church in North Providence. Colantonio, who is white, admitted that he "intentionally selected the church as the object of the arson because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, and/or ethnicity of the congregants." Prosecutors said Colantonio had mental health problems, but that did not excuse his actions. Dorgan, who was transgender, had posted pro-Nazi content online and expressed support for former President Trump.

Why it matters

This case highlights the connection between extremist ideologies, mental health issues, and acts of violence and hate. It raises concerns about the potential for radicalization within families and the need for better mental health resources and intervention. The church fire and the subsequent shooting also underscore the ongoing threat of racially motivated crimes in the United States.

The details

In February 2024, Kevin Colantonio, the son of Robert Dorgan, used gasoline to set multiple fires along the exterior of Shiloh Gospel Temple, a predominantly Black church in North Providence. The church was empty at the time and no one was injured, but the fire caused significant damage. Police seized notebooks from Colantonio's home that were filled with hateful writings, including an entry where he wrote, "gun everyone down that isn't white, if one is white spread the gospel. Always give our bloodline a chance." Colantonio, who is white, admitted that he "intentionally selected the church as the object of the arson because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, and/or ethnicity of the congregants." He was sentenced to more than six years in prison for the crime.

  • In February 2024, Colantonio set fires at Shiloh Gospel Temple in North Providence.
  • In 2026, Colantonio was sentenced to more than six years in prison for the church arson.

The players

Kevin Colantonio

The son of Robert Dorgan, who was convicted of setting fires at a predominantly Black church in North Providence in 2024.

Robert Dorgan

Also known as Roberta Esposito, the biological father of Kevin Colantonio who opened fire at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island in 2026, killing three people.

Shiloh Gospel Temple

A predominantly Black church in North Providence, Rhode Island that was the target of Colantonio's arson attack in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“Colantonio 'intentionally selected the church as the object of the arson because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, and/or ethnicity of the congregants'”

— Kevin Colantonio (Court records)

What’s next

Colantonio is scheduled for release from federal prison in Fort Worth, Texas in December 2029.

The takeaway

This case highlights the dangerous intersection of extremist ideologies, mental health issues, and racially motivated violence. It underscores the need for greater intervention and resources to address the root causes of such crimes and prevent further tragedies.