Family-Targeted Shooting shakes Rhode Island Youth Hockey Event
A tragic shooting unfolded at a youth hockey game held in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, when a gunman opened fire, killing his ex-wife and one of their sons, according to law enforcement sources.
Suspect Ends Life After Deadly Attack
the individual responsible, 56-year-old Robert Dorgan-who also went by the names Roberta Esposito and roberta Dorgano-took his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities have not provided further clarification regarding the suspect’s gender identity.
Details Surrounding the Incident and Victims
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed that Rhonda Dorgan, the shooter’s former spouse, and their adult son Aidan were fatally shot. Three additional peopel were injured: Rhonda’s parents and a family friend.The attack appeared to be intentionally directed at family members present at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena during Monday afternoon’s game.
No prior warning signs suggested such violence would erupt during this typically peaceful community event. Chief Goncalves noted that Robert had attended many hockey games before without incident or cause for concern.
Insights into Family History
The couple divorced in 2020 after nearly thirty years of marriage. Court records initially cited reasons including “gender reassignment surgery” alongside “narcissistic and personality disorder traits,” but these claims were later replaced with “irreconcilable differences.” An unusual detail remains unexplained: both shared the same last name even before marrying.
Online Activity Before tragedy
A day prior to the shooting,under one of his alternate online identities,Robert responded vehemently to anti-transgender remarks made by public figures on social media platforms. He expressed frustration over ongoing criticism faced by transgender individuals as contributing factors to emotional turmoil.
Heroic Bystanders Helped Contain Violence
An unidentified good Samaritan played an essential role in stopping further bloodshed by restraining Dorgan along with two other witnesses until police arrived on scene. despite this effort, Dorgan managed to access another firearm before ultimately turning it on himself.
Professional Background and Personal Life of Shooter
Dorgan was employed at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in maine-a prominent shipbuilding contractor for U.S. Navy vessels-though company officials have withheld specific job details.
A former colleague described him as prone to loud outbursts but recalled hearing only about his son’s involvement in hockey rather then any mention of an ex-spouse or family issues.
Dorgan briefly enlisted in the Marine Corps starting April 1988 but was discharged within three months holding an entry-level rank; military records do not specify reasons for early separation from service.
The Community Reacts Amid Growing Concerns over Gun Violence
Bystanders witnessed distraught parents desperately searching for their children while emergency personnel rushed injured youths away on stretchers following shots fired inside what is usually considered a safe environment dedicated to youth sports activities.
“These tragedies are becoming all too common across our nation,” said Michael Steven after recording footage post-incident-a reflection of widespread anxiety over recurring mass shootings nationwide.”
This heartbreaking event comes just two months after another fatal shooting occurred at Brown University within Rhode Island where two students died and several others sustained injuries; authorities later found that suspect deceased from self-inflicted wounds outside New Hampshire days afterward.
A State United in Grief Amid Rising Violence Fears
“Our hearts break once again,” stated Governor Dan McKee expressing sorrow both personally-as a parent-and professionally-as someone involved with coaching youth sports-for those impacted by this devastating episode at Lynch arena.
- Youth hockey game shooting Rhode island: Family members targeted resulting in multiple fatalities including perpetrator’s suicide;
- Shooter’s background: Brief Marine Corps service; naval shipyard employee; complex gender identity history;
- Bystander heroism: Intervention prevented escalation during chaotic moments;
- Larger context: Reflects urgent national need for addressing gun violence trends;
- Mourning community: Families cope amid repeated tragedies affecting local institutions like schools and arenas;
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