Family of Robert Dorgan Speaks Out After the Tragic Incident during a Rhode Island Hockey Game

The family of Robert Dorgan is speaking out after the violent incident at a hockey game, as images shared online offer a glimpse into the family life that came before.

Authorities continue to investigate the deadly shooting that disrupted a youth hockey game in Pawtucket, as more details emerge about the family at the center of the case.

Long before the violence on February 16, 2026, took the lives of Rhonda and her son, Aidan Dorgan, they were a familiar presence in Rhode Island's hockey community, known for routine milestones and public celebrations.

Rhonda Dorgan and Her Children

Photo after photo shared on social media shows Rhonda with her children at games and lakeside outings, moments that now carry a different weight. One image captures Aidan's graduation, featuring his mother alongside his father, Robert Dorgan.

Aidan Dorgan and His Fiancée

In a series of online posts, Aidan appears alongside his fiancée, Starr, marking milestones in their relationship, including their engagement and plans for the future.

Those images would soon stand in stark contrast to what investigators say happened inside the rink.

Pawtucket Chief of Police Tina Goncalves confirmed that the gunman specifically targeted members of his own family during the youth hockey game. The victims were identified as the shooter's ex-wife, Rhonda, and their adult son, Aidan.

Three others were left fighting for their lives, including Rhonda's elderly parents, Linda and Gerald Dorgan, and family friend Thomas Geruso.

Authorities identified the shooter as Robert, 56, who also went by the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano.

Authorities said Robert died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after being confronted by bystanders.

Chief Tina said there was "no indication" of impending violence. She also noted that Robert had previously attended many hockey games to watch family members play without incident.

What Happened Inside the Rink?

Just before 3 p.m. on Monday, February 16, gunfire erupted inside Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, during a youth hockey game, according to a report by WHDH.

Authorities confirmed that three people, including a child, were killed. The suspected shooter was also killed, and three others were rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

The police chief told reporters that the suspect died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police were not involved in the shooter's death, and the investigation remains ongoing.

"It appears that this was a targeted event, that it may be a family dispute," Chief Tina said. She did not initially release the ages of those killed but noted that it appeared the victims were adults.

Later reports would reveal even more devastating details.

Chaos Inside the Arena

The shooting happened at the arena on Andrew D. Ferland Way, just outside Providence. Unverified videos circulating on social media showed players diving for cover as fans scrambled from their seats.

Outside, tearful families embraced. High school players, some still in uniform, were seen hugging before boarding buses to leave the area.

Roads around the arena were shut down as police vehicles flooded the scene and helicopters hovered overhead.

A Daughter Speaks Out

As stunned families gathered at the police department, a woman emerged with a heartbreaking claim. According to WCVB 5, she identified herself as the shooter's daughter. "My father was the shooter," she said. "He shot my family, and he's dead now."

"He has mental health issues," said the woman who said the shooter was her father. She went on to say that he struggled with his mental health for some time and was "very sick." She told reporters she did not yet know who had been killed and was heading to the hospital.

WCVB 5 also reported that hockey players and their families were taken by bus to the police department as the investigation unfolded. Some athletes were still in uniform, while parents clutched flowers meant for a senior night celebration that never came.

Who Was the Suspect?

Chief Tina later revealed the shooter was born Robert Dorgan but also used the name Roberta and the surname Esposito. According to court records cited by WPRI 12, Robert had reported in early 2020 that he had undergone gender-reassignment surgery and was asked to leave his North Providence home by his father-in-law because of it.

Court documents show Robert alleged that his father-in-law threatened to "have him murdered by an Asian street gang if he did not move out of the residence." The father-in-law was later charged, but prosecutors dismissed the case.

Robert's then-wife, Rhonda, initially listed "gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic + personality disorder traits" as grounds for divorce before replacing it with "irreconcilable differences which have caused the immediate breakdown of the marriage."

The divorce was finalized in June 2021. Additional records show disputes involving Robert's mother and allegations of assault, though those charges were also dismissed.

In a statement Monday night, the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence called the situation "deeply painful," adding, "While details are still emerging, we know that violence within families and intimate relationships can have devastating and far-reaching impacts."

The group went on, "Domestic violence does not stay behind closed doors. It affects children, extended family members, and entire communities."

Good Samaritans Step In

The attack ended when several spectators intervened. Chief Goncalves credited multiple "good Samaritans" who rushed the shooter in the stands while others fled for safety.

At least three bystanders managed to contain Robert, though police said he was still able to reach for a second firearm and fatally shoot himself.

The chief described the event as targeted toward family members.

A History of Turmoil

Court filings reviewed by the Associated Press show that Rhonda filed for divorce in 2020 after nearly 30 years of marriage. Robert's gender identity had reportedly been a focal point of their bitter divorce.

Robert was an employee at a Maine shipyard where colleagues noted a volatile temperament. One co-worker, Destiny Mackenzie, remembered Robert's frequent screaming matches with other staff members.

Another co-worker, who spoke anonymously, said Robert appeared conflicted about transgender acceptance — at times proud of transitioning and at other times embarrassed.

Military records show Robert's past was equally troubled, ending in a rapid discharge from the Marine Corps after less than three months. A spokesperson stated Robert's character was simply incongruent with the standards of the service.

The Final Warning

The most chilling revelations come from Robert's activity on social media just days before the massacre. On February 15, actor Kevin Sorbo posted a pointed message on X, stating, "Tim McBride is a man. Community note this if I'm wrong."

Robert, using the handle @Tgirlcuda, issued a darkly prophetic reply to the post. "Keep bashing us. But do not wonder why we Go BERSERK," he wrote.

The irony of the situation deepened on Valentine's Day when Robert interacted with a post from Thomas Massie. After Thomas mentioned his own wife, Rhonda, Robert replied with a comment that now feels hauntingly possessive.

"I have a beloved RHONDA too , my friend," Robert wrote. Only a day later, that "beloved" ex-wife's life would come to a tragic end at the hands of the person who claimed to love her.

The Most Devastating Detail

As investigators pieced together what happened, the full weight of the tragedy began to sink in. According to the New York Post, the suspect allegedly shot his ex-wife, three children, and a family friend. Two people were killed at the scene, and three others were left fighting for their lives in the hospital.

It was first reported that among the victims was a child. The revelation that a family dispute spilled into a children's hockey game has left the community stunned.

Community Reaction

Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien reportedly addressed the tragedy, emphasizing that the incident was not connected to a separate shooting at Brown University nearly two months ago.

"The fortunate thing is that the two incidents are not related, but it is very tragic," Don said. "These are high school kids. They were doing an event, they were playing with their families watching, a fun time, and it turned into this."

The Coventry School District also reportedly confirmed that all of its Boys Hockey team players present were accounted for and safe. In a statement, the district said:

"The Coventry School District confirms that all students from the Boys Hockey team who were present during a reported incident at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, RI have been accounted for and are safe. District officials were notified of the situation while the team was at the arena and immediately began coordinating with event staff and law enforcement."

"An officer from the Coventry Police Department is on scene and remains with the students. School staff are also present and supervising the team. The district is continuing to monitor developments and is working with authorities as reunification and transportation plans are finalized," the statement reportedly continued.

"At this time, the district's focus is on student safety, family communication, and ensuring a calm and orderly return home. We are grateful for the swift response of first responders and arena personnel. Additional updates will be shared if appropriate as more verified information becomes available," it concluded.

As the investigation unfolded, attention turned to the family at the center of it all.

The Dorgan Family Speaks Out

According to NBC Boston, the Dorgan family released a statement Tuesday night through an attorney following the shooting.

"We are all deeply and profoundly affected by the recent events that took place at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena," the statement read. "We are reminded that behind every headline is a family experiencing profound pain and loss."

The family said their thoughts are with all families affected by the violence. They acknowledged the many unanswered questions surrounding the incident and said their focus remains on those who were injured and whose lives have been permanently altered.