Robert Dorgan Rhode Island Shooting — Pawtucket Transgender Murder Suspect Killed Ex-Wife & Son
Pawtucket, Rhode Island — A tragic shooting at a youth hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on February 16, 2026, has left two family members dead, multiple others critically injured, and the suspect deceased, in an incident that authorities are describing as a domestic-related mass shooting. The suspect has been identified by law enforcement as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also used the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano in recent years. (WBUR)
Incident Overview
The shooting took place at approximately 2:30 p.m. inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena during a high school boys’ hockey game in Pawtucket, a city located just north of Providence. According to the Pawtucket Police Department, the gunman opened fire on members of his own family who were attending the event, including his ex-wife and an adult son. (WBUR)
Police officers who responded to the arena on Monday afternoon discovered multiple victims wounded in the stands. Rhonda Dorgan, the ex-wife of the shooter, was killed at the scene, and Aidan Dorgan, the suspect’s adult son, died later at a local hospital from his injuries. Three additional individuals — the parents of the ex-wife (the victims’ grandparents) and a family friend — were also shot and remain hospitalized in critical condition. (WBUR)
After the shooting, law enforcement found the suspect deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the arena. Authorities have stated that no other suspects are being sought in connection with the attack. (WBUR)
Law Enforcement Response
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves described the event as a targeted domestic dispute and emphasized that the incident was not a random act of violence. Officers secured the arena, evacuated spectators, and provided immediate medical aid to the wounded. Investigators immediately began reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining available video footage from cameras and bystanders. (WBUR)
Police confirmed that the shooter had no prior criminal record related to violence at public events and expressed that there had been “no indication” of such an attack prior to the moment it unfolded. (WBUR)
Suspect Identification and Background
Law enforcement officials identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan — a 56-year-old individual who in recent years used the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano. Court records indicate that Dorgan lived in the area and had a history of family conflicts, including disputes over personal matters and past legal actions. Authorities have noted that Dorgan’s gender identity and associated family tensions were referenced in previous court filings. (Boston 25 News)
According to court documentation obtained by local media, disagreements extending back several years, including conflict over gender identity and housing arrangements with extended relatives, were reported. Some records show that Dorgan had interacted with police in 2020 regarding issues with family members after undergoing gender-reassignment surgery. (Boston 25 News)
Community Impact and Aftermath
The shooting occurred during what was meant to be a celebratory senior night hockey game, drawing friends, families, and young athletes. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as gunfire erupted — forcing players and spectators to dive for cover and flee for safety. (WBUR)
Local officials, including Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien and Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee, released statements expressing profound sorrow and extending condolences to the families affected. Mental health support and victim assistance services have been mobilized to support survivors and witnesses traumatized by the incident. (The Guardian)
In response to the shooting, all Rhode Island Interscholastic League hockey games were temporarily suspended out of respect for the victims and to allow the community time to heal. (The Guardian)
Investigation Status and Public Safety Information
The investigation into the Pawtucket shooting remains active. Police continue to analyze ballistic evidence, witness statements, and video recordings to fully document the sequence of events and confirm motive. Law enforcement has reiterated that this was a targeted family attack, not a broader threat to the public. (WBUR)
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information, including photos or video taken during the incident, to contact the Pawtucket Police Department’s investigation unit. This evidence may be crucial to finalizing the official record and supporting victim families through the legal process. (WBUR)
Summary
The Robert Dorgan Rhode Island shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket was a devastating event during a youth hockey game that resulted in multiple casualties and critical injuries. The shooter killed his ex-wife and adult son before taking his own life — an act described by police as stemming from longstanding family disputes. The violent act has shaken the local community and prompted law enforcement to continue an in-depth investigation into all contributing factors surrounding the tragic attack.
