Transgender Ex-Husband Opens Fire at High School Hockey Game, Killing Mother and Child
A tragic shooting at a high school hockey game in Rhode Island has left a mother-of-three and one of her adult children dead, with the gunman identified as her transgender ex-husband. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon at the Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, just a few miles outside Providence, during what should have been a celebratory Senior Night match.
Deadly Attack During Family Event
Rhonda Dorgan, 52, was shot and killed by her ex-husband Robert Dorgan, 56, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito. The attack happened while their son was playing in the hockey game. Rhonda died at the indoor skating rink, and one of her adult children was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased child.
Two other family members and a family friend were injured in the shooting before Dorgan concluded his rampage by turning the gun on himself. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed the attacker entered the arena around 2:30 PM and opened fire, with approximately a dozen shots ringing out during the terrifying incident.
History of Family Conflict and Mental Health Issues
Court documents reveal a complex history of family disputes surrounding Dorgan's gender identity. Rhonda had served Dorgan with divorce papers in 2020, initially citing his "gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic + personality disorder traits" as grounds for the separation. These reasons were later replaced with "irreconcilable differences" before their divorce was finalized in 2021.
One of Dorgan's daughters told reporters after the shooting that her father had "mental health issues" and was "very sick." This assessment aligns with previous legal conflicts documented in court filings, which showed Dorgan had sparred with multiple family members over his gender transition.
Previous Legal Conflicts and Threats
Court records show Dorgan told police in early 2020 that he had recently undergone gender reassignment surgery and claimed his father-in-law wanted him removed from their home because of it. Dorgan alleged his father-in-law threatened to "have him murdered by an Asian street gang" if he didn't move out, and made derogatory comments about his gender identity.
The father-in-law was charged with intimidation of witnesses and victims of crimes, and obstruction of the judicial system, though prosecutors later dismissed the charges. Additional court documents reveal Dorgan had accused his mother of assaulting him, leading to charges that were also eventually dismissed.
Ominous Online Activity Before Shooting
In the days leading up to the deadly attack, an online profile appearing to belong to Dorgan shared disturbing content. One video showed a woman loading ammunition magazines into a handgun while running on a treadmill. Another post on social media platform X, under the name "Roberta Dorgano," threatened to go "BERSERK" while defending transgender Congresswoman Sarah McBride.
"Keep bashing us," the post read on Sunday, just one day before the shooting. "But do not wonder why we Go BESERK."
Chaotic Scene at the Arena
Footage from the scene showed Dorgan, wearing a white beanie, walking down the stands and opening fire into the crowd. The sound of gunshots caused panic as spectators turned and fled while the gunman continued firing. Hockey players on the ice scrambled to reach the sidelines for safety as approximately a dozen shots were fired, with spectators heard screaming and crying throughout the arena.
Fortunately, none of the hockey players on the ice were harmed in the shooting. Police Chief Goncalves credited a good Samaritan who tried to subdue Dorgan with preventing further bloodshed during the chaotic incident.
Police Investigation and Community Response
Investigators are working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and have spoken with numerous witnesses who were present inside the skating rink. Authorities are also reviewing video footage taken during the hockey game to better understand the sequence of events.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien released a statement expressing the community's grief: "What should have been a joyful occasion, with dozens of families, students and supporters gathered to celebrate Senior Night... was instead marked by violence and fear. Our prayers go out to the victims, their families and everyone impacted by this devastating incident."
The mayor continued, "Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning. We will stand together in support of those affected in the difficult days ahead and we will keep the public updated as confirmed facts become available."
While a motive for the shooting remains officially unclear, Police Chief Goncalves believes it was a targeted attack stemming from a family dispute. The investigation continues as authorities work to understand the full context of this tragic event that has left a Rhode Island community devastated.
