Gunman Robert Dorgan Opens Fire on Family Members at Rhode Island High School Hockey Game Leaving Two Dead and Three Critically Injured in Pawtucket

A sunny Monday afternoon at the Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, turned into a nightmare when 56-year-old Robert Dorgan opened fire on family members attending a high school hockey game.

What should have been a joyful “Senior Night” celebration for local players and their families quickly devolved into chaos, screams, and heartbreak.

Authorities confirm that at least two people were killed, including Dorgan’s ex-wife Rhonda and a family friend, while three others were hospitalized in critical condition.

The Gunman’s Complicated Background

Robert Dorgan’s identity and personal history have become central to the investigation.

Reports and court documents indicate that he also went by the female name Roberta Esposito and had undergone gender reassignment surgery prior to the shooting.

Conflicts with family members over this aspect of his life were well-documented.

Dorgan told police in 2020 that his father-in-law threatened him over his gender identity and that tensions at home were extreme.

Those family disputes eventually led to Rhonda filing for divorce, which was finalized in June 2021.

How the Shooting Unfolded

The incident occurred around 2:30 PM during a hockey game between a co-op team from Coventry and Johnston schools and another co-op team from St. Raphael, PCD, North Providence, and North Smithfield.

Livestream and eyewitness footage show a man in a white beanie walking down the stands and firing a dozen shots.

Spectators ducked and fled while players on the ice initially thought the gunfire was balloons popping, only realizing the danger moments later.

Fortunately, no players were injured, but the trauma was immediate and palpable.

Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Chaos

Families in the stands described panic and confusion.

One hockey player recounted rushing to the locker room with teammates, pressing against doors, and trying to stay safe.

Outside, parents and children evacuated to the parking lot in tears, while some sought refuge inside nearby stores, including a Walgreens.

Footage showed ambulances rushing victims to hospitals, and law enforcement quickly cordoned off the area.

Law Enforcement Response

The Pawtucket Police Department arrived within a minute and a half, speaking to more than 100 witnesses.

FBI Boston confirmed their presence at the scene and offered assistance, though they noted no ongoing threat to public safety.

Governor Dan McKee issued a statement expressing grief and support for families, acknowledging the state’s pain following a prior Rhode Island shooting at Brown University.

Mental health resources were made immediately available for anyone affected.

Community in Shock

Mayor Don Grebien called the event devastating, saying the city is mourning and emphasizing the resilience of Pawtucket residents.

North Providence Public Schools confirmed that all student athletes were unharmed, though the community continues to grapple with fear and grief.

The tragedy has sparked conversations about family disputes, mental health, and the safety of public events.

What’s Next?

Authorities continue to investigate the motives and circumstances behind the shooting.

Court records, interviews, and witness accounts will be reviewed, particularly Dorgan’s family history and the role his gender identity may have played.

Law enforcement is also focused on ensuring that students and spectators in the area remain safe, while mental health support continues to be offered.

Families and the wider Rhode Island community will be waiting for answers in the coming days as investigators piece together the full story.

Summary

Robert Dorgan, 56, opened fire at a Rhode Island high school hockey game at the Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, killing two people, including his ex-wife, and critically injuring three others.

The shooter, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito and had undergone gender reassignment surgery, had a history of family disputes and legal conflicts.

Authorities responded rapidly, no players were injured, and the investigation is ongoing.

Pawtucket and Rhode Island communities mourn the victims while mental health support and law enforcement resources remain active.