Rhode Island High School Shooting: Shooter Used Female Name in Family Dispute

A gunman who opened fire on family members at a high school hockey match in Rhode Island used a female name, according to court documents and police statements. Robert Dorgan, 56, fired at least a dozen shots in the stands at the Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket on Monday afternoon, killing two people before turning the gun on himself. Authorities described the incident as stemming from a 'family dispute,' though the precise motivations remain under investigation.

The tragedy claimed the lives of at least two individuals, including Dorgan's ex-wife, Rhonda, and a family friend. Three others were left in critical condition at a local hospital. Court filings obtained by WPRI reveal that Dorgan's gender identity was a contentious issue within his family, with documents showing he had used the name 'Roberta' and the last name 'Esposito.' He reportedly told police in 2020 that he had undergone gender reassignment surgery, a fact that reportedly led to conflict with his father-in-law.

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed at a news conference that Dorgan had used the name 'Roberta' and faced significant familial tension. He claimed his father-in-law threatened to 'have him murdered by an Asian street gang' if he did not move out of their home. The father-in-law was charged with intimidation and obstruction of justice, but prosecutors later dismissed the charges. Meanwhile, Dorgan's then-wife, Rhonda, filed for divorce in 2020, citing 'gender reassignment surgery' and 'narcissistic personality disorder traits' as reasons, though these were later replaced with 'irreconcilable differences.'

The shooting occurred during a 'Senior Night' hockey game, which was being played by a co-op team from Coventry, Johnston, and other schools. Witnesses described the chaos as shots rang out, with players ducking for cover and spectators screaming. One hockey player, Olin Lawrence, initially mistook the gunfire for balloons before realizing the danger. 'We bunkered up in the locker room and pressed against the door,' he said, describing the fear and confusion.

Authorities arrived at the scene within 90 seconds and have since interviewed over 100 witnesses. Goncalves stated that the investigation was in its early stages, with 'all avenues' being explored. Livestream footage from the game showed a man in a white beanie walking through the stands and firing into the crowd. A woman who identified herself as the shooter's daughter told WCVB that her father 'shot my family, and he's dead now,' adding he had 'mental health issues.'

The FBI and ATF confirmed their involvement in the investigation, though no immediate threat to public safety was reported. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed grief over the incident, calling it another tragic chapter for the state, which had recently faced a mass shooting at Brown University. He urged residents to seek mental health support and thanked first responders for their efforts.

Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien called the event 'a city in mourning,' emphasizing the resilience of the community while acknowledging the profound loss. School officials confirmed that no student athletes were harmed, but the emotional impact on families and students was evident. Photos from the scene showed parents clutching children as they evacuated, with some children still wearing their hockey uniforms. A large yellow school bus and multiple ambulances were seen at the arena, underscoring the scale of the emergency response.

As the investigation continues, authorities have stressed the need for patience, noting that many details remain unconfirmed. The case has reignited discussions about mental health, familial conflicts, and the broader societal challenges surrounding gender identity. Experts have called for increased access to mental health resources and support systems for individuals in crisis, emphasizing the importance of community-based interventions.

The tragedy has left a deep scar on Pawtucket, a city that now grapples with the aftermath of violence that disrupted a celebration of youth and sport. For now, the focus remains on the victims, their families, and the urgent need for healing in the days and weeks ahead.