Rhode Island man who also used female name opens fire at Dennis M Lynch Arena killing two and wounding three in chaotic hockey match

A tragic day turned deadly at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, when a gunman opened fire during a youth hockey game, killing two people and leaving three others in critical condition.

Authorities have identified the shooter as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who reportedly also used the name Roberta Esposito.

In the days leading up to the shooting, unsettling posts on social media hinted at a dangerous mindset, raising concerns about warning signs that were visible but not acted upon.

Online profiles appearing to belong to Dorgan featured videos and posts showing a woman loading ammunition and handling a handgun, as well as threats to “go BERSERK” in defense of transgender Congresswoman Sarah McBride.

Hours after the shooting, a woman claiming to be Dorgan’s daughter told WCVB that her father had mental health issues.

A Family Dispute Turns Deadly

Police say the shooting stemmed from a family dispute.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., Dorgan entered the arena to watch a high school hockey game and opened fire, killing two people, including his wife and a family friend.

He then turned the gun on himself. Three others were rushed to nearby hospitals in critical condition.

Court records suggest longstanding tension surrounding Dorgan’s gender identity.

In 2020, he told police he had undergone gender reassignment surgery and claimed his father-in-law had threatened him over living arrangements.

Multiple legal disputes involving his mother and father-in-law had further fueled familial conflict.

His divorce petition in 2020 also cited “gender reassignment surgery” along with narcissistic and personality disorder traits, although the grounds were later changed to irreconcilable differences.

Chaos on the Ice and in the Stands

What should have been a celebratory “Senior Night” for hockey players and their families quickly descended into terror.

Footage shows spectators ducking as about a dozen shots rang out. Parents grabbed their children, some still in hockey gear, while players scrambled to the sidelines.

One player, Olin Lawrence, recounted thinking the initial sounds were balloons before realizing they were gunshots.

A good Samaritan reportedly intervened to subdue Dorgan, preventing even more casualties.

Authorities arrived on the scene within 90 seconds and have since interviewed over 100 witnesses, requesting any additional footage from attendees.

Community Response and Support

Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien described the tragedy as a heartbreaking interruption to what should have been a joyous event.

“What should have been a joyful occasion… was instead marked by violence and fear,” he said.

Governor Dan McKee also offered condolences, highlighting Rhode Island’s grief just months after another mass shooting at Brown University.

He emphasized mental health resources, urging families and students affected by the tragedy to seek help via the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or online chat at 988lifeline.org.

What’s Next?

Investigators continue to piece together the motive behind the shooting.

The FBI is assisting local authorities, and police are examining all possible angles, from family conflicts to the gunman’s online activity.

Law enforcement has emphasized the importance of community cooperation, asking anyone with video footage from the hockey game to come forward.

Mental health and gun safety experts may also scrutinize warning signs in cases like this, including social media posts, past family conflicts, and prior legal disputes, in hopes of preventing similar tragedies.

Summary

Robert Dorgan, a 56-year-old Rhode Island man who also used the name Roberta Esposito, killed two people and critically injured three others at a youth hockey game amid family conflict and longstanding personal disputes.

Disturbing social media posts preceding the incident hinted at violent tendencies.

The tragedy left the community in shock but showcased the quick response of both a good Samaritan and law enforcement.

Investigators continue to explore the circumstances, and state officials are providing mental health support for families and students affected by the shooting.