Pawtucket, Rhode Island – A tragic shooting during a high school hockey game left the community in shock, sparking a family member’s emotional response to the targeted violence. On February 16, 2023, Robert Dorgan fatally shot his ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their son, Aidan Dorgan, before turning the gun on himself. The incident unfolded at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena while the family’s other son, Colin Dorgan, played in the match.
Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, Dorgan’s daughter from a previous relationship, described the act as a deliberate and personal assault on her family. Speaking to the media, she emphasized the premeditated nature of the attack, categorizing it as a “vendetta.” “This was very specific,” Wallace-Hubbard noted. “We were targeted. It wasn’t random.” Her words highlight the unsettling reality that such violence can stem from familial strife.
In the chaotic moments that followed the attack, Wallace-Hubbard was present with her two young sons. She expressed deep concern for their safety, fearing her father might turn his violence toward them. The timely intervention of a bystander, identified as Michael Black, prevented further tragedy. Wallace-Hubbard praised his bravery, noting, “I can’t thank him enough. I’m certain my sons and I are alive because of him.” Black tackled Dorgan in the stands, stopping the assault.
The aftermath of the shooting not only affected the immediate family but also left Rhonda’s parents and a family friend critically injured. Reports confirm that Linda and Gerald Dorgan, along with Thomas Geruso, remain hospitalized following the shocking event. The ripple effects of such an attack are profound, extending beyond the lives lost to the emotional trauma inflicted on surviving relatives and witnesses.
In the wake of the incident, troubling aspects of Dorgan’s identity emerged. Wallace-Hubbard shared that her father’s sexual transition did not influence his relationship with the family. “Gender identity was not remotely a factor in him being ostracized from the family,” she stated, acknowledging the complex dynamics that contributed to the family’s estrangement. She described her father as someone who had long struggled with personal demons.
Social media posts attributed to Dorgan after the shooting raised alarm among observers, revealing troubling views that included racist and anti-Semitic sentiments. These insights add layers to the understanding of his actions, prompting questions about the influences in his life that may have contributed to such violence.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, Wallace-Hubbard’s voice stands out as a poignant reminder of the need for dialogue surrounding mental health and familial relationships. In her discussions, she emphasized not only the grief over her family’s losses but the critical importance of addressing familial conflicts before they escalate into violence.