A 56-year-old gunman recognized as Robert Dorgan, who additionally used the title Roberta Esposito, killed two individuals and critically injured three others throughout a highschool hockey recreation at Dennis M Lynch Area in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The incident occurred round 2:30 p.m. on Monday throughout a Senior Night time match.
Shooter Posts Eerie On-line Warnings
Within the days main as much as the assault, a web based profile linked to Dorgan shared a disturbing video displaying a girl loading ammunition right into a handgun whereas operating on a treadmill. One other submit on X below the title Roberta Dorgano warned others after criticism of transgender Congresswoman Sarah McBride: “Maintain bashing us. However don’t marvel why we Go BERSERK.”
Household Disputes and Courtroom Information
The capturing stemmed from a household dispute, based on authorities. Courtroom paperwork reveal ongoing conflicts over Dorgan’s gender id. In early 2020, Dorgan reported present process gender reassignment surgical procedure and claimed his father-in-law threatened to have him killed by an Asian avenue gang until he left the house. The daddy-in-law allegedly stated, “there isn’t any goddam means a tranny goes to remain in my home.” Prices in opposition to the father-in-law for intimidation had been later dismissed.
Dorgan additionally accused his mom of assault, resulting in fees of straightforward assault and disorderly conduct, which had been dismissed. He instructed police his father-in-law pressured him to drop these fees, threatening additional retaliation. Dorgan’s 2020 divorce petition from ex-wife Rhonda initially cited “gender reassignment surgical procedure, narcissistic + character dysfunction traits” earlier than altering to irreconcilable variations. The divorce finalized in June 2021. Rhonda is believed to be one of many victims, together with a household good friend.
Capturing Particulars and Speedy Response
Dorgan entered the sector to observe a relative play within the recreation between co-op groups from Coventry-Johnston and St. Raphael-PCD-North Windfall-North Smithfield. He opened fireplace, killing a member of the family and household good friend earlier than turning the gun on himself. An excellent Samaritan intervened, serving to forestall additional casualties.
Hockey gamers ducked for canopy after listening to a couple of dozen photographs. Coventry participant Olin Lawrence recounted: “I used to be on the ice and I believed it was balloons at first – it was like ‘bop, bop,’ … however this saved going – and it was truly gunshots. … We ran proper to the locker room and … pressed in opposition to the door.” No gamers had been harmed.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said authorities arrived inside 90 seconds. Officers have interviewed over 100 witnesses and search extra footage. The FBI assists within the investigation.
Official Reactions and Group Influence
A girl claiming to be Dorgan’s daughter stated he “has psychological well being points” and “shot my household, and he is useless now.”
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien described the occasion: “What ought to have been a joyful event … was as an alternative marked by violence and concern.” He added, “Pawtucket is a robust and resilient group, however tonight we’re a metropolis in mourning.”
Governor Dan McKee expressed grief: “Our state is grieving once more. … My coronary heart breaks for the victims, households, college students and everybody impacted.” He thanked first responders and promoted psychological well being assets by way of 988.
