In a tragic incident that has shocked the community, the transgender gunman who opened fire during a high school hockey game in Rhode Island allegedly harboured a deep-seated vendetta against his own family, according to his daughter. Robert Dorgan, also known as Roberta Esposito, fatally shot his 23-year-old son Aidan Dorgan and his 52-year-old ex-wife Rhonda at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket on Monday afternoon before turning the gun on himself.
Family Rift Unrelated to Gender Identity
Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, Dorgan's 36-year-old daughter from another marriage who witnessed the shooting with her two sons, has spoken out to clarify that the family's estrangement was not driven by his gender transition. She emphasised that Dorgan's online vocalness about his identity was merely a symptom of deeper, long-standing issues.
Wallace-Hubbard told the New York Post, "Gender identity was not remotely a factor in him being ostracized from the family, at least on the part of myself or my siblings. It really was just a symptom of something that had been going on that was much deeper his entire adult life." She described her late father as someone who "struggled with demons" and noted that she distanced herself after having children of her own.
Vendetta as Driving Force
The daughter believes that Dorgan's vendetta against his family was the primary catalyst for the deadly attack. She stated to The Times, "I just want to make sure people understand this was one person’s vendetta against their family." This perspective aligns with initial police reports indicating the shooting was "targeted" and stemmed from a "family dispute," though the exact motive remains under investigation.
Footage from the arena captured Dorgan conversing with his family moments before he drew a gun and began firing, adding a chilling layer to the premeditated nature of the violence.
Heroic Intervention Saves Lives
Amid the chaos, a bystander identified as Michael Black played a crucial role in preventing further casualties. Wallace-Hubbard recounted how Black swiftly leaped over seats to snatch Dorgan's pistol, tackled him to the ground, and stopped additional shots. She expressed profound gratitude, saying, "Until that Good Samaritan incapacitated him, I really feared that my sons were next. I can’t thank him enough … I’m certain my sons and I are alive because of him."
This act of bravery highlights the community's resilience in the face of senseless violence, as authorities continue to probe the disturbing behaviour that led up to the fatal shootings.
