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On Tuesday, authorities unveiled harrowing accounts of a tragic incident that unfolded at a Rhode Island hockey arena. A transgender gunman orchestrated a “very targeted” attack, as described by police, where a father systematically approached his family members seated in the bleachers, shooting them during his son’s senior night game.
The shooter, 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, launched the attack on Monday at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket. During a hockey match featuring Coventry and Blackstone Valley schools, Dorgan fatally shot his ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and their son Aidan Dorgan before turning the gun on himself, confirmed Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves.
In addition to the fatalities, three individuals were critically injured. These include Rhonda’s parents, Linda and Gerald Dorgan, as well as Thomas Giarrusso, a family friend.
Before the shooting, Robert Dorgan was observed entering, exiting, and then re-entering the facility.
Police have identified Robert Dorgan as the suspect in this tragic shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. An undated photo captured him inside an ice rink. Officials have described the incident as stemming from a family dispute, resulting in two deaths and three injuries. (X/@VerdadEsPoder)
Authorities said he had two guns on him — a Glock 10 mm and a SIG Sauer P226 — though it is unclear if he had the weapons when he initially entered the building.
During a news conference on Tuesday, Goncalves described the attack as “very targeted,” noting Robert Dorgan approached the family “individually” and fired at them.
The family was sitting in the bleachers during the shooting, but police said it appeared there was no conversation or confrontation between the suspect and the victims before he opened fire.
At least three bystanders, described as family or friends of the hockey players, intervened and briefly stopped Robert Dorgan, Goncalves said. At that time, he reached for a second gun and fatally shot himself.Â
Robert Dorgan, identified by police as the suspect in the Pawtucket ice rink shooting, pictured in an undated photo. (X/@VerdadEsPoder)
The police chief explained Robert Dorgan had been to his son’s hockey games in the past, and that his presence Monday was not “unusual.”
“There was no indication from the family or friends that any violence was underway, or that they were in fear of this specific individual,” Goncalves said. “… We continue to look into what the motivation was. We’re not sure at this point what the trigger event was that happened yesterday.”
Robert Dorgan, who identified as transgender and had a history of family conflict over his gender identity, transitioned in 2020 and socially used the names “Roberta Dorgan” and “Roberta Esposito,” according to Goncalves.
He was wearing female clothes during the shooting, she said.
Robert Dorgan, identified by police as the suspect in a shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on Feb. 16, 2026. (X/@VerdadEsPoder)
Records show Robert Dorgan, who was not a Rhode Island resident, had a license to carry in Florida and the two weapons used in the shooting were purchased legally.
Goncalves said he was not known to law enforcement in Pawtucket, but “there were some contacts throughout the state.”
Police confirmed they are conducting several search warrants to find additional information, but have not found a suicide note.
Officials have not yet found any links to any extremist groups.
Robert Dorgan, identified by police as the suspect in a shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is seen in an undated photo. (X/@Tgirlcuda)
In addition to Aidan, the Dorgans had two other children — the high school hockey player and his sister, who is studying to be a nurse.
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).