Rhode Island Hockey Rink Shooting Suspect Grappled With Family Issues After Gender Reassignment Surgery
Court documents have revealed that the suspect in a fatal mass shooting at a Rhode Island hockey arena struggled with significant family turmoil following gender reassignment surgery. Authorities identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan, 56, who also used the name "Roberta" and occasionally the surname "Esposito." The shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket appeared to target the suspect's own family members, according to investigative reports.
Multiple Police Complaints and Family Conflicts
In recent years, Dorgan filed numerous complaints with law enforcement alleging assaults, intimidation, and death threats from various relatives. These allegations are detailed in court records reviewed by local news channel WPRI. The documents paint a picture of escalating domestic tensions that culminated in Monday night's tragic violence.
According to police documents cited by WPRI, Dorgan underwent gender reassignment surgery in early 2020, which triggered substantial conflict within the family. Court records indicate that Dorgan's father-in-law reacted negatively to the surgery, allegedly ordering Dorgan to leave the family home and threatening murder "by an Asian street gang" if the suspect remained at the residence.
The father-in-law was further accused of using derogatory language, stating that no transgender person would "stay in my house." Although prosecutors eventually dismissed the charges, court records show the father-in-law was initially charged with intimidation of witnesses and victims of crimes, along with obstruction of the judicial system.
Marriage Breakdown and Legal Proceedings
The collapse of Dorgan's marriage occurred around the same period. Then-wife Rhonda Dorgan filed for divorce, initially citing "gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic + personality disorder traits" as grounds. However, WPRI reported that these reasons were crossed out on the paperwork and replaced with "irreconcilable differences which have caused the immediate breakdown of the marriage."
The divorce was finalized in June 2021, with documentation showing Dorgan was working as a truck driver and living in Jacksonville, Florida, at that time. Additional court records revealed that Dorgan's mother was accused of assault and behaving in a "violent, threatening or tumultuous manner." She faced charges of simple assault and battery plus disorderly conduct, though the case against her was later dismissed.
This particular case reportedly caused further conflict with Dorgan's father-in-law. Court documents indicate Dorgan recounted being told "if I did not drop the assault charges against my mother that further retaliation could be expected and that was another reason to have me killed."
Mass Shooting at Lynch Arena
The mass shooting at the indoor ice rink in Pawtucket left at least two people dead and multiple others injured on Monday night, shocking the local community. At a late-night press conference, Mayor Donald Grebien requested public patience as the investigation progressed, noting that police had already interviewed approximately 100 individuals.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves appealed for information or videos from anyone present at the hockey game. Early footage from a livestream captured players rapidly skating off the ice as gunshots echoed through the arena. The suspected shooter died at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to authorities.
Chaos erupted among spectators as they rushed to safety. Teenager Izzy Sousa told The Providence Journal that "a lot of people were falling to the ground and getting stepped on" during the panic. Sousa added, "When the first three shots went off we all thought it was balloons popping from senior night decorations. As the bangs kept going off, everyone quickly realized they were gunshots so we all jumped up and basically started a stampede to get out."
Chief Goncalves noted that a "good Samaritan stepped in and interjected in this scene, and that's probably what led to a swift end of this tragic event."
Community Response and Domestic Violence Concerns
In a statement shared on social media Monday evening, the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence described the situation as "deeply painful." The organization posted on Facebook, "While details are still emerging, we know that violence within families and intimate relationships can have devastating and far-reaching impacts. Domestic violence does not stay behind closed doors. It affects children, extended family members, and entire communities."
The investigation continues as authorities piece together the events leading up to the shooting, examining the complex family dynamics and legal history revealed in court documents. The Pawtucket community remains in mourning as they process this devastating incident that has highlighted broader issues of domestic conflict and violence.
