PAWTUCKET, R.I. — A community in Rhode Island is mourning after a deadly family attack that unfolded inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena during a high school hockey game on February 16, 2026. Law enforcement officials say the suspect, 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, opened fire on members of his own family before dying by an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Family Targeted in Shooting
Police have confirmed that the victims included Dorgan’s ex-wife, 52-year-old Rhonda Dorgan, and their adult son, 23-year-old Aidan Dorgan. Three other family members and a friend were also critically injured in the attack.
The shooting occurred during a youth hockey game, where families and spectators were gathered to support the players. Chaos erupted as the first shots were fired, and emergency responders arrived within minutes.
Suspect Identified With Multiple Names and Gender Identity
Authorities have stated that the shooter went by more than one name and had a complex personal history. In addition to his birth name, Robert Dorgan, police noted that he also used the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano.
Law enforcement described him as a transgender individual whose gender identity and transition had previously been a source of family conflict. Court documents and earlier filings show that disputes over his gender transition — including a gender-reassignment surgery he reported having undergone — contributed to tensions within the family prior to the shooting.
Shooter Dies by Suicide
Police say that after killing his ex-wife and son, Dorgan died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the ice rink. Law enforcement characterized the incident as a targeted murder-suicide linked to longstanding family disputes.
Community Response
The violence has deeply shaken the local community. Vigils were held to honor the victims, and public officials expressed sorrow and offered support to grieving families. Rhonda Dorgan and Aidan Dorgan were remembered as devoted family members, and many spectators who witnessed the shooting spoke of the fear and disbelief they felt as events unfolded.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee and Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien both issued statements decrying the violence and emphasizing the need for community healing and support following the tragedy.
