The festive atmosphere of a Rhode Island hockey arena shattered Monday night, replaced by a scene of unimaginable horror. Authorities now paint a chilling picture of a meticulously planned attack, a father’s deliberate targeting of his own family during his son’s senior night game.
Robert Dorgan, 56, systematically approached family members seated in the bleachers of the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, firing upon them one by one. His ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their son, Aidan Dorgan, were fatally struck before he turned the gun on himself, ending the devastating sequence.
Three others remain in critical condition, clinging to life after being caught in the crossfire. Rhonda Dorgan’s parents, Linda and Gerald Dorgan, and a family friend, Thomas Giarrusso, are battling for their lives as the community grapples with the senseless violence.
Police revealed Dorgan had been observed entering and exiting the arena multiple times before the shooting commenced. He was armed with two firearms – a Glock 10 mm and a SIG Sauer P226 – though the timing of when he brought them into the building remains under investigation.
Chief Tina Goncalves emphasized the targeted nature of the attack, stating Dorgan approached each victim “individually” and fired without any apparent provocation. There was no conversation, no argument – only a cold, calculated act of violence.
The carnage was briefly interrupted by the courageous intervention of at least three bystanders, individuals connected to the hockey players who attempted to subdue Dorgan. He then retrieved his second weapon and fatally shot himself, bringing the nightmare to a close.
Investigators have learned Dorgan, who identified as transgender and used the names “Roberta Dorgan” and “Roberta Esposito,” had a history of family conflict stemming from his gender identity. He was dressed in women’s clothing at the time of the shooting.
Despite not being a Rhode Island resident, Dorgan legally purchased the weapons used in the attack, possessing a valid concealed carry license from Florida. While unknown to Pawtucket law enforcement, he had prior contact with authorities in other parts of the state.
A thorough investigation is underway, with multiple search warrants executed in an attempt to uncover the motive behind the tragedy. So far, no suicide note has been discovered, and authorities have found no evidence linking Dorgan to any extremist groups.
The Dorgans also have a daughter pursuing a career in nursing and a son who plays hockey, both left to navigate a future irrevocably altered by this horrific event. The family’s pain is compounded by the unanswered questions surrounding the motive for this devastating act.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. You can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
