A tragic scene unfolded at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where a family dispute erupted into unimaginable violence on Monday, leaving two people dead and a community reeling.
Authorities have identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan, 56, a transgender woman who also went by “Roberta.” The incident began during a high school hockey game, quickly escalating into a devastating act of loss.
Court records reveal a history of escalating tensions within Dorgan’s family, particularly surrounding her gender identity and transition. These disputes, stretching back years, painted a picture of deep-seated conflict and animosity.
The violence claimed the life of Dorgan’s ex-wife and injured three of her children before she turned the gun on herself, ending the horrific ordeal. A daughter, speaking outside the police station, described her father as suffering from mental health issues, a “very sick” man.
A central figure in the family discord was Dorgan’s father-in-law, who allegedly demanded she leave the family after undergoing gender reassignment surgery in 2020. Reports indicate he used a derogatory slur and threatened repercussions if she didn’t comply.
The father-in-law was initially charged following the threat, but the case was ultimately dismissed. Simultaneously, Dorgan accused her mother of assault, leading to charges of simple assault and battery, also later dropped.
Court documents suggest a chilling escalation of threats, with Dorgan claiming her father-in-law warned of “further retaliation” if she pursued assault charges against her mother, even hinting at a plot to have her killed.
Divorce proceedings further illuminated the fractured family dynamics. Initial filings cited “gender reassignment surgery” and “narcissistic personality disorder traits” as reasons for separation, later amended to “irreconcilable differences.” The divorce was finalized in 2021.
Just a day before the shooting, Dorgan, using the handle “Roberta Dorgano” on social media, posted a furious message responding to comments made by an actor regarding a transgender politician. The post warned against “bashing” the transgender community, stating, “do not wonder why we Go BERSERK.”
While investigators have not yet publicly established a definitive motive, the confluence of long-simmering family conflicts, alleged transphobic harassment, and a recent, volatile social media post paints a disturbing picture leading up to this tragic event.
The community now mourns the loss of life and grapples with the devastating consequences of a family torn apart by years of unresolved pain and animosity.
