Pawtucket Trans Shooter’s Gender Identity Tied to Past Family Disputes, Court Records Show
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Court records and police statements show that the gunman who opened fire during a high school hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena on Monday had a documented history of contentious family conflicts tied in part to his gender identity.
The suspect, identified by law enforcement as 56-year-old Robert K. Dorgan, also known by the name Roberta Esposito, fatally shot two relatives and wounded three others during the afternoon shooting before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities have described the Feb. 16 incident as stemming from a “targeted event” related to a domestic dispute involving close family members. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves characterized the shooting as a case of familial violence, rather than a random attack.
Court filings obtained by local media show that Dorgan’s gender identity was a significant factor in several disputes with relatives over the past several years. In 2020, Dorgan reported to the North Providence Police Department that he had recently undergone gender-reassignment surgery and that his father-in-law wanted him removed from the family home because of it.
In that police report, Dorgan alleged that his father-in-law had threatened to “have him murdered by an Asian street gang if he did not move out of the residence,” a claim documented in court records—though prosecutors later dismissed related charges.
At approximately the same time, Dorgan’s then-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, filed for divorce. Initial divorce paperwork cited “gender reassignment surgery” and “narcissistic personality disorder traits” as reasons for seeking the split, although later filings replaced those specifics with the more general “irreconcilable differences.” The divorce was finalized in 2021.
Records also show that Dorgan had previously accused his mother of assault during an altercation in 2020; she was charged with simple assault and disorderly conduct but the charges were later dismissed.
Monday’s shooting unfolded in a crowded rink where multiple high school teams were competing. Witnesses said the attack triggered panic among spectators and players, who scrambled to safety as gunshots echoed through the arena. Video streams and body-camera footage released by police show law enforcement securing the area and tending to victims shortly after the shots were fired.
According to reports, one of the individuals killed was a member of Dorgan’s family, and the other fatality occurred while the wounded were transported to medical facilities. Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims, citing ongoing notifications of next of kin.
In a late-night news conference, Chief Goncalves stressed that investigators are delving into the extensive court record to better understand the shooter’s motives and the history of disputes that may have contributed to the violence. “This appears to have been a targeted incident rooted in long-standing personal and familial conflict,” she said.
Video circulating on social platforms captured the moment first responders entered the arena and tended to victims, adding to the already traumatic scene. Police have advised the public that the investigation remains active and that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
X posts related to the incident have drawn national attention and debate. One post from the day before the shooting contained a threatening message referencing perceived hostility toward transgender individuals, though law enforcement has not directly tied that post to the shooter’s actions on Monday.
Community leaders in Pawtucket and surrounding areas have condemned the violence and offered support to families of the victims. Local officials are coordinating counseling services for witnesses and families affected by the tragedy.
The episode has reignited national discussions about domestic violence and the role of deep-rooted personal disputes in mass shootings—a subject that conservative commentators have linked to broader questions about cultural attitudes toward family cohesion and responsibility. Many argue that the erosion of traditional familial bonds and lack of early intervention in escalating conflicts can create conditions for such tragedies. While the investigation continues, local residents are calling for a sober examination of how law enforcement and social services can better identify and address warning signs before they result in irreparable harm.