A third victim from last week’s shooting at the Link in Rhode Island has died from injuries sustained in the attack, according to police. Gerald Dorgan, who was the father of Rhonda Dorgan and grandfather of Aidan Dorgan, later succumbed to his critical injuries, as reported by the Associated Press, referencing Pawtucket police.
The gunman, identified as Robert Dorgan, 56, opened fire at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, leading to the deaths of his ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their adult son, Aidan Dorgan. This information was initially provided by North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi.
After tackling the assailant, who had reportedly shot himself, witnesses, including at least three bystanders, managed to stop the shooting as chaos unfolded in the stands, with people fleeing the area.
Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien expressed sadness over the additional loss, extending thoughts and prayers to the affected families and individuals involved in this tragic event.
Linda Dorgan, Rhonda’s mother, and family friend Thomas Geluso were also injured in the shooting.
The alleged shooter, who identified as transgender, had reportedly used the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dolgano. Robert and Rhonda’s 17-year-old son, Colin Dorgan, was participating in the game when the incident occurred.
Video footage captured inside the arena shows players diving for cover while fans rushed from their seats as gunfire erupted, with the sound of shots and screams of terror clearly audible.
Authorities have not yet provided a motive for the shooting, but Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Gonsalves characterized it as a “family dispute.” Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, Robert Dorgan’s daughter from another relationship, stated that the attack was driven by “vengeance” against her family, emphasizing that they felt specifically targeted.
Court records reveal a history of conflict within Robert Dorgan’s family, particularly surrounding his gender reassignment. In a 2020 report to police, he mentioned that his stepfather had threatened to evict him due to his gender identity.
In the same year, Robert accused his mother of assaulting him, leading to charges that were eventually dismissed. Additionally, his ex-wife’s divorce filing had originally claimed issues related to his mental health and personality traits, but these claims were later changed to irreconcilable differences.
The day prior to the shooting, Robert Dorgan had made a post online discussing a dispute regarding transgender identity, indicating a potential buildup to the violence. The situation remains complex and troubling, leaving many unanswered questions about motivations and family dynamics.
