Two Killed, Three Critically Injured in Pawtucket High School Hockey Game Shooting
A tragic shooting unfolded on Monday afternoon at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, resulting in two fatalities and three individuals sustaining critical injuries. Authorities have confirmed that the incident occurred during the sporting event, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Gunman Identified as Transgender Father Robert Dorgan
Law enforcement officials have identified the perpetrator as Robert Dorgan, a 56-year-old transgender father. According to police reports, Dorgan opened fire on four family members and a family friend before ultimately taking his own life. The shooting took place in a public setting, adding to the horror of the event.
Multiple sources, including the New York Post, indicate that the victims include the mother of Dorgan's hockey player son and the student athlete's sibling. It remains unclear whether Dorgan's ex-wife was among those killed in the violent outburst. Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic and terrifying moment as the gunfire erupted.
Heroic Intervention and Police Response
Eyewitness accounts reveal that a courageous "Good Samaritan" attempted to intervene during the shooting. This individual managed to subdue the gunman and disarm him of one firearm. However, Dorgan was reportedly armed with a backup weapon, which was also recovered by authorities after the incident.
Police arrived at the scene approximately at 2:30 PM, responding swiftly within just two minutes of receiving the initial emergency call. The prompt response helped secure the area and begin immediate medical assistance for the wounded.
Community in Mourning
Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien addressed the tragedy, expressing profound grief on behalf of the city. "Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning," he stated solemnly. Mayor Grebien confirmed that local authorities are collaborating closely with the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office to verify all details surrounding the shooting.
Details About the Shooter
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves provided additional information about Robert Dorgan, noting that he also used the female alias Roberta Esposito. "We have identified the person, the suspect, by a birth name, the birth name was Robert Dorgan," Chief Goncalves explained. "We have also learned that the person does go by the name of Roberta, also uses a last name of Esposito."
Dorgan was the father of a North Providence High School senior who was participating in the hockey tournament. He had undergone gender reassignment surgery in 2020, and his transgender identity had reportedly been a source of multiple family legal disputes over recent years.
Background of Family Conflicts
Court records reveal that Dorgan's ex-wife initially cited "gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic + personality disorder traits" in a 2020 divorce filing. This was later amended to "irreconcilable differences," with the divorce finalized in 2021. The family tensions appear to have been longstanding and complex.
In 2020, Dorgan reported to police that his father-in-law wanted him removed from the family home due to his gender reassignment surgery, allegedly making threats against him. This incident highlights the interpersonal conflicts that may have contributed to the tragic outcome.
Online Activity and Mental Health Concerns
An examination of Dorgan's social media presence on platform X revealed disturbing patterns of anger and erratic behavior. In one post responding to an anti-trans remark about US Representative Sarah McBride, he wrote, "keep bashing us. but do not wonder why we Go BERSERK."
His account contained additional concerning content, including antisemitic, pro-Nazi, and racist posts, along with expressions of support for the Second Amendment and ICE, and disdain for abortion. These online manifestations suggest a troubled mindset leading up to the violence.
A woman leaving the Pawtucket police station identified herself as Dorgan's daughter and described her father as having "mental health issues" and being "very sick." She stated bluntly, "He shot my family, and he's dead now," underscoring the personal tragedy within the larger public incident.
The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the full sequence of events and motivations behind this devastating school shooting in Rhode Island.
