Pawtucket, Rhode Island — A tragic shooting incident during a youth hockey game on Monday left two people dead and several others injured. Authorities have identified the shooter as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who reportedly targeted his ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their adult son, Aidan. The incident has raised deep concerns about the underlying issues that preceded this violent outburst.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed that Dorgan, who also went by Roberta Esposito, shot his ex-wife and son before injuring three additional individuals, including Rhonda Dorgan’s parents and a family friend. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as bystanders attempted to flee the ice rink, while several intervened to stop the attack. Dorgan ultimately died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Reports indicate that Dorgan’s marital troubles were linked to personal struggles, including gender identity issues. Rhonda Dorgan filed for divorce in 2020 after nearly three decades of marriage, initially citing reasons that included gender reassignment and mental health challenges, although she later altered her filing to reflect “irreconcilable differences.”
Social media posts attributed to Dorgan reveal a complicated relationship with gender identity. In one post from 2018, Dorgan remarked on the emotional toll of the couple’s struggles, indicating that Rhonda “hated the person who stole her husband.” Another year later, Dorgan expressed pride in transitioning, yet at times voiced embarrassment about it.
Just a day before the shooting, Dorgan made ominous comments on social media regarding the backlash against transgender people, suggesting that external criticisms might lead to violent reactions. This statement has raised questions about mental health and societal acceptance in discussions surrounding gender identity.
Chief Goncalves praised the bravery of bystanders who intervened, describing them as “good Samaritans” who managed to contain Dorgan during the attack. Despite their efforts, he was able to reach for a second firearm, resulting in his death.
Dorgan worked at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Maine, a facility that builds contracts with the U.S. Navy. Colleagues noted that he often used the name Roberta at work and had a reputation for a volatile temperament, occasionally resulting in heated arguments.
The tragic incident has left the Pawtucket community in shock, highlighting the complexities of mental health and domestic issues as contributing factors to violence. Local authorities continue to investigate the incidents leading up to the attack, working to understand the broader implications of mental health in relation to emerging conversations about gender identity and societal acceptance.