PAWTUCKET, R.I. — A tragic shooting at a youth hockey game on Monday resulted in the deaths of two family members, as police reported that the gunman specifically targeted his ex-wife and son. Eyewitnesses recounted a scene of chaos at the Lynch Arena, where fans dove for safety while others bravely confronted the shooter.
Authorities identified the assailant as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who reportedly took his own life after the attack. Dorgan’s ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their adult son, Aidan Dorgan, were killed in the shooting. Three others, including Rhonda’s parents and a family friend, sustained serious injuries and remained in critical condition on Tuesday.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves noted there were no prior indications of potential violence at the rink. Dorgan had attended numerous hockey games without any incidents before the shooting. The circumstances surrounding the shooter’s personal life may have played a role in the tragedy. Reports indicate his ex-wife filed for divorce in 2020, citing issues related to his gender identity, which had exacerbated marital tensions.
Social media posts attributed to Dorgan suggest a troubled relationship and mixed feelings about his identity. In the days leading up to the shooting, he commented on recent anti-transgender statements made by public figures, indicating a sense of anger and frustration.
Goncalves commended several bystanders who intervened during the attack, managing to contain Dorgan momentarily before he turned the gun on himself. Footage of the incident captured by a live-streaming service revealed the immediate panic as players and fans scrambled for safety.
In the aftermath, community members gathered for a vigil at Slatersville Congregational Church, grappling with the shock of violence erupting in what was meant to be a joyful environment for youth sports. Attendee Amy Goulet expressed disbelief, stating that it was unimaginable such an event could occur among people they knew and supported.
Dorgan was employed at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, where coworkers described him as having a volatile temperament. A colleague remarked that discussions about family frequently came up, but personal challenges related to his marriage were seldom mentioned. Another coworker, speaking anonymously, observed that Dorgan seemed conflicted about his gender identity, occasionally expressing pride and at other times embarrassment.
Military records reveal Dorgan briefly served in the Marine Corps in 1988 before being discharged just a few months later under circumstances suggesting he did not meet the Corps’ standards. In light of this violent incident, the tragedy at the ice rink reverberates deeply within the community, marking yet another heartbreaking chapter in America’s ongoing struggle with gun violence.
As police investigations continue, the poignant memory of this horrific event lingers, reminding all of the urgent need for dialogue and understanding surrounding both mental health and the impact of gun violence in society.