On a Monday afternoon during a high school hockey match in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, a public sporting event turned into a scene of domestic violence. Robert Dorgan, age 56, entered the Dennis M. Lynch Arena and opened fire on family members. The incident resulted in the deaths of his ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, age 52, and their son. Following the attack, the gunman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Three other individuals remain in critical condition at local hospitals. This event has highlighted the severe nature of long-standing family legal battles and the potential for public violence following domestic disputes.
Event Timeline and Immediate Response
The shooting occurred at approximately 2:30 pm during a "senior night" game involving North Providence High School.
2:28 pm: Initial 911 calls report shots fired inside the arena.
2:30 pm: Pawtucket police arrive on the scene.
2:35 pm: Officers discover three deceased individuals and three others with life-threatening injuries.
Post-Incident: Investigators recover two firearms from the scene.
"He shot my family, and he's dead now," stated the suspect’s mother in an interview with WCVB, following the dismissal of a previous legal case against her.
| Key Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Robert Dorgan (56) |
| Fatalities | 3 (Suspect, Ex-wife, Son) |
| Injured | 3 (Currently in critical condition) |
| Weaponry | Two guns recovered at the scene |
| Location | Dennis M. Lynch Arena, Pawtucket, RI |
Robert Dorgan killed his ex-wife and son before taking his own life during a high school hockey game.
Read More: Stephen Colbert's Show Did Not Air Texas Politician Interview
Investigative Evidence and Legal Records
Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed that the shooter entered the arena specifically while the match was underway. Evidence from court documents provides a history of the relationship between the shooter and the victims.
Divorce Filings: Rhonda Dorgan sought a divorce several years ago, citing the suspect’s "narcissistic and personality disorder traits."
Gender Identity: Court records show that Dorgan’s transition and gender reassignment surgery were explicit points of contention in the family court battles.
Family Conflict: Documentation suggests the suspect "sparred" with multiple family members over identity issues and custody.
The investigation is currently focused on the motive. While the identity of the shooter is confirmed, police are looking into why the arena was chosen for the attack.
Domestic History and Legal Disputes
The relationship between Robert Dorgan and his family was marked by several years of litigation. Documents show that the family unit had been fractured for some time.
Custody and Contact: It remains unclear how much contact Dorgan had with his children leading up to the shooting. One of his children was a senior at North Providence High School and was competing in the match when the shooting began.
Mental Health Allegations: The ex-wife’s legal team previously highlighted personality disorders as a primary reason for the dissolution of the marriage.
Previous Legal Actions: There was a prior case involving the suspect's mother that was eventually dismissed, indicating a broader pattern of legal friction within the family circle.
Perspectives on Identity and Violence
The shooter’s status as a transgender person has been noted in police reports and court filings. This aspect has drawn attention to how identity issues intersect with domestic instability.
Viewpoint A: Some observers point to the court records showing that gender identity was a central theme in the family’s legal conflicts, suggesting it was a point of extreme stress.
Viewpoint B: Other perspectives focus on the history of "narcissistic traits" mentioned in divorce papers, framing the event as a case of domestic escalation common in high-conflict divorces, regardless of the shooter's identity.
Broader Context of Related Incidents
Investigators and the public often look at similar cases to understand patterns of violence.
Read More: Rhode Island Ice Rink Shooting Kills Two Amidst Family Dispute
In Utah, Mia Bailey, a transgender woman, was recently accused of killing her parents. In that case, she reportedly surrendered to police and expressed a lack of remorse.
Conversely, cases like that of Taya Ashton and Dylan Gurley involve transgender individuals as victims of violence. Prosecutors in the Ashton case noted that violence against individuals based on their life choices or identity is never justified under the law.
While the shooter's identity is a factual part of the record, investigators are weighing it alongside documented mental health concerns and domestic history.
Official Statements
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves emphasized the speed of the police response but noted the tragedy of the outcome. The focus remains on the three survivors who are fighting for their lives.
State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy, speaking on the general principle of violence (in a related context), noted that no personal choices or transitions give an individual the right to commit violence against others. This sentiment reflects the legal priority of public safety over personal grievances.
Findings and Next Steps
The investigation into the Pawtucket shooting is ongoing. The primary findings are:
Intentionality: The shooter brought two weapons to a crowded public event, suggesting a level of preparation.
Targeting: The victims were specifically members of the shooter's own family, indicating a domestic motive.
Legal History: The act followed years of contentious court proceedings regarding divorce, mental health, and identity.
Next Steps:
Forensic analysis of the two recovered firearms.
Interviews with witnesses at the Lynch Arena to determine the suspect's behavior before the first shot.
Review of the suspect's final communications or social media for further insight into the timing of the attack.
Sources
Daily Mail: Rhonda Dorgan and Robert Dorgan Rhode Island Shooting - Details on the family shooting and the suspect's mother.
NY Post: Transgender Mass Shooter Robert Dorgan’s Ex-Wife - Information regarding divorce grounds and personality disorder citations.
The Sun: Mother Shot by Trans Ex at Ice Hockey Game - Timeline of police arrival and recovery of weapons.
Internewscast: Woman Killed by Transgender Former Partner - Context on the arena location and school event.
Advocate: Maryland Man Sentenced for Murder of Taya Ashton - Contextual quote on violence and personal identity.
