Transgender Gunman Identified in Deadly Rhode Island High School Hockey Arena Shooting
A transgender woman has been identified as the gunman who opened fire on family members during a high school hockey match in Rhode Island, killing two people before turning the weapon on herself. The tragic incident, which authorities have described as stemming from a "family dispute," unfolded at the Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket on Monday afternoon.
Details of the Shooting and Victims
Robert Dorgan, 56, who also went by the name Roberta and used the surname Esposito, fired at least a dozen shots into the stands at the arena. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed the shooter's identity and reported that Dorgan had a "personality disorder." The victims included Dorgan's ex-wife, Rhonda, and a family friend. Three other individuals were left in critical condition and transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment.
Livestream footage from the game captured the terrifying moments as players on the ice initially mistook the gunshots for balloons popping. "I was on the ice and I thought it was balloons at first - it was like 'bop, bop,' and I thought it was balloons, but this kept going - and it was actually gunshots," recounted Olin Lawrence, a hockey player present during the shooting. Players and spectators alike scrambled for safety, with some barricading themselves in locker rooms as the gunman continued firing.
Chaos and Response at the Scene
Additional footage from the scene showed a man wearing a white beanie walking down the stands and opening fire into the crowd. The sound of gunshots prompted immediate panic, with spectators screaming, crying, and fleeing the arena. Following the shooting, an unidentified woman told media outlets that her father was the shooter, stating, "He shot my family, and he's dead now," and noting he had "mental health issues."
A source from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives provided further details, explaining that the gunman shot and killed his wife before opening fire on his children and ultimately taking his own life. Fortunately, no hockey players on the ice were harmed during the incident, which occurred exclusively in the stands near spectators.
Community Reaction and Official Statements
The shooting took place during a "Senior Night" hockey game between co-op teams from Coventry and Johnston schools and another team comprising students from St. Raphael, PCD, North Providence, and North Smithfield schools. The tournament had begun at 2 PM, with shots fired approximately half an hour later. Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien expressed profound sorrow, stating, "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."
North Providence Public Schools Superintendent Joseph Goho assured the public that all student athletes were safe, though he extended his sympathy to those affected by the tragedy. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to those involved in this tragic incident," Goho said. The incident occurred on President's Day, a federal holiday, meaning it was not a regular school day.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigations
Tragic photos from the scene depicted parents clutching their children tightly as they evacuated to the parking lot. Children, some still in hockey uniforms, were seen crying, while a large yellow school bus was parked outside the arena to assist with evacuation. Multiple police officers, ambulances, and FBI agents responded to the scene, with one victim transported on a stretcher. Terrified children also sought refuge in a nearby Walgreens pharmacy, screaming as they fled the arena.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee released a statement mourning the loss, saying, "Our state is grieving again," in reference to a previous shooting at Brown University months earlier. He thanked first responders and emphasized the availability of mental health resources, urging anyone in need to contact the 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. The FBI Boston division confirmed they are aware of the shooting and stand ready to assist local authorities, though there is currently no imminent threat to public safety.
