PAWTUCKET, R.I. (THECOUNT) — Robert Dorgan, 56, has been identified by authorities as the gunman who fatally shot two people and critically wounded three others during a high school hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on Monday afternoon before taking his own life, according to Pawtucket police. Authorities stated that Dorgan, who court records indicate underwent gender reassignment surgery in 2020, had also used the name Roberta Esposito.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said during a Monday night press conference that the suspect’s birth name was Robert Dorgan and that he went by the name Roberta and used the last name Esposito. Police confirmed the shooting stemmed from what investigators described as a domestic dispute and said the case remains under active investigation.
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Authorities said Dorgan opened fire inside the arena shortly before 3 p.m. during a hockey tournament involving North Providence High School. Police responded within minutes of receiving the first emergency call. Two people were pronounced dead at the scene, and three others were transported to area hospitals in critical condition. Dorgan died at the scene from what police said was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigators stated that Dorgan shot multiple family members and a family friend. The identities of the victims have not been formally released pending family notification. Multiple local outlets reported that those killed included the mother of Dorgan’s son and another family member. Police have not publicly confirmed the relationships of all victims.
Chief Goncalves said officers recovered more than one firearm at the scene. Witnesses reported that a bystander attempted to intervene and disarm the suspect. Police described the individual as a “good Samaritan” who attempted to subdue Dorgan before officers arrived. Authorities said both firearms believed to have been used were recovered.
Court records reviewed by local media indicate that Dorgan underwent gender reassignment surgery in 2020. According to filings cited by WPRI, Dorgan’s former spouse initially cited gender reassignment surgery and personality-related concerns in divorce documents before the grounds were later amended to irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized in 2021.
Additional court documents reported by local outlets show that in 2020 Dorgan filed a complaint with North Providence police alleging disputes with a family member related to his gender transition. Police have not indicated whether any of those prior disputes were directly connected to Monday’s shooting.
Social media posts attributed to an account appearing to belong to Dorgan included statements referencing transgender issues as well as political topics. In a post dated Feb. 15, the account responded to commentary about transgender individuals with the message, “keep bashing us. but do not wonder why we Go BERSERK.” Authorities have not publicly confirmed the authenticity of the account but acknowledged they are reviewing online activity as part of the investigation.
A woman who identified herself as Dorgan’s daughter told reporters outside the Pawtucket Police Department that her father had struggled with mental health issues. “He shot my family, and he’s dead now,” she said.
Video captured inside the arena shows spectators and players fleeing as multiple gunshots rang out. Emergency medical personnel provided aid to victims at the scene before transporting the wounded to nearby hospitals.
Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien said city officials are working with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office to ensure all facts are confirmed before further public statements are made. “Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning,” Grebien said.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue to review evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze digital records connected to the suspect.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available. In the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In an emergency, call 911.
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