A shooting incident occurred during a youth hockey game at an ice rink in Rhode Island, where the shooter targeted family members, resulting in the deaths of their ex-wife and one son, according to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves. The victims were identified as the shooter’s ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their adult son, Aidan Dorgan. In addition, three others were injured, including the parents of the shooter’s ex-wife and a family friend. The shooter, 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, also known as Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Goncalves mentioned that there were no prior indications of violence at the ice rink and that Dorgan had attended many hockey games peacefully in the past. The shooter’s gender identity played a role in their ex-wife filing for divorce in 2020 after a long marriage. Court documents revealed that Rhonda Dorgan cited “gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic + personality disorder traits” initially, which was later changed to “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for divorce.
Before the shooting incident, Dorgan, using the name Roberta Dorgano, responded to anti-transgender posts by public figures, expressing frustration with constant criticism of transgender individuals. Investigators spoke to numerous witnesses to reconstruct the events at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket. Goncalves praised a “good Samaritan” whose intervention helped end the attack swiftly.
Dorgan was employed at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, a shipbuilding facility that works with the U.S. Navy. Former colleagues described Dorgan as having a temper that led to conflicts with coworkers. Dorgan briefly served in the Marine Corps for a short period before being discharged at the lowest military rank.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene outside the arena after the shooting, with parents searching for their children and injured individuals being taken away on stretchers. The incident occurred following a previous shooting at Brown University, further emphasizing the impact of gun violence in the state. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed sorrow for the victims and families affected by the tragic event at the Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.
