Pawtucket, Rhode Island — A heinous shooting at a local ice hockey arena claimed the lives of two individuals and left three others injured, authorities reported. Robert Dorgan, 56, allegedly opened fire during a family gathering at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena on Monday. The assailant fatally shot his ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and then targeted his adult son, Aidan, who later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.
The tragic incident unfolded during a high school game, causing chaos among players and spectators. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots while fans scrambled for safety. Three victims, including Rhonda Dorgan’s elderly parents, Linda and Gerald, remain hospitalized in critical condition. The other injured victim, identified as Thomas Geruso, a family friend, is also receiving urgent medical care.
Police confirmed that Robert Dorgan, who identified as transgender, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following the attack. His daughter, Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, described the shooting as a targeted act of aggression against their family. She recounted being in the stands with her two young sons during the incident and credited an unnamed bystander for intervening, which prevented further casualties.
Wallace-Hubbard emphasized the premeditated nature of the attack. “This was very specific. It wasn’t random,” she said. She expressed gratitude toward the individual who tackled her father, stating, “I’m certain my sons and I are alive because of him.”
Officials labeled the shooting a “family dispute,” but a clear motive has not yet been established. Investigators are meticulously reviewing surveillance footage and collecting eyewitness accounts to piece together the events that transpired.
Court documents reveal a contentious history between Robert Dorgan and his family, including previous disputes linked to his gender transition. In 2020, he reported to police that his father-in-law sought to evict him from their shared residence due to his transition. This altercation resulted in a legal battle, although charges brought against the father-in-law were later dismissed.
Additionally, documents related to Robert Dorgan’s divorce contain references to a troubled familial relationship, with allegations of verbal abuse and threats. The divorce was finalized in 2021, with Robert living in Jacksonville, Florida, at the time.
Wallace-Hubbard’s narrative underscores the profound impact of the family’s tragedy. “We are deeply and profoundly affected by this,” an attorney for the Dorgan family stated. The family is asking for privacy as they focus on supporting those injured in the shooting.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event, police and investigators continue to sift through evidence, searching for answers and closure for the affected families.