Pawtucket, Rhode Island — A tragic shooting at a high school hockey game on Monday left two people dead and three others critically injured. Police have identified the alleged shooter as Robert Dorgan, a 56-year-old man described as having undergone gender reassignment surgery three years ago.
According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, Dorgan, who reportedly used the male alias Robert and the female name Roberta Esposito, opened fire at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena during a youth tournament. Following the attack, he turned the weapon on himself. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with parents and children scrambling for safety as shots were fired.
Dorgan is the father of a student from North Providence High School who was participating in the tournament. Preliminary reports indicate that the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute, with Dorgan reportedly targeting family members during the rampage. It remains unclear whether the victims included his ex-wife and child, as details continue to emerge.
Before the violence erupted, Dorgan had a contentious relationship with his family. In divorce proceedings that began in 2020, his ex-wife cited issues related to his gender transition. Although the original filing included allegations of mental health concerns, such reasons were later modified to reflect “irreconcilable differences.”
On social media, Dorgan had made controversial statements regarding anti-trans sentiments. He had recently warned others about violent repercussions in a post that ominously alluded to public backlash against the trans community.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that a parent intervened during the attack, attempting to subdue Dorgan before he could cause further harm. This Good Samaritan managed to disarm him, but police later retrieved a second firearm at the scene.
The aftermath of the shooting revealed deep family strife. A woman who left the Pawtucket police station identified herself as Dorgan’s daughter, stating he had struggled with mental health issues and describing him as “very sick.” As the community grapples with the fallout, three victims remain in critical condition in local hospitals.
Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien expressed condolences and called for community resilience amidst the tragedy. He emphasized that law enforcement is working closely with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office to ensure a thorough investigation.
As the investigation continues, the city is faced with a profound sense of loss and a call for unity. The shooting has shaken Pawtucket, marking a somber chapter for a community that had gathered for a night of youth sports—a tragic reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by families.