Tragic Shooting at Rhode Island Ice Rink Involves Suspect with Complicated History

The individual who tragically shot two people at an ice rink in Rhode Island on Monday before taking his own life has been identified as transgender. Reports indicate that he expressed having a troubled relationship with his family regarding his gender identity.

Court documents reveal Robert Dorgan, age 56, was involved in multiple family disputes in recent years. Tensions reportedly increased following his gender reassignment surgery, as noted by local media.

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Gonsalves mentioned at a press conference that Dorgan opened fire inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena during a high school hockey game between Coventry and Blackstone Valley schools. Authorities classified the incident as a “domestic dispute.”

According to officials, both victims succumbed to their injuries, while three additional individuals were hospitalized after the shooting.

Federal law enforcement officials stated that Dorgan’s domestic violence history included the alleged killing of his wife and their three children before he turned the gun on himself.

In 2020, Dorgan reported to North Providence police about having undergone gender reassignment surgery, conveying that his stepfather wanted him to leave the family home as a result. Authorities identified him by his birth name, Robert Dougan, and noted that he also went by “Roberta.”

Court documents referenced by local outlets indicate Dorgan’s stepfather had previously used derogatory terms towards transgender individuals and even threatened retaliation if Dorgan did not exit the household. While charges were filed against the stepfather at one point, they were eventually dismissed.

During Dorgan’s divorce proceedings in 2021, his then-wife initially cited “gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic and personality disorder traits” as reasons for the separation. However, the grounds for divorce were later changed to “irreconcilable differences.” At that time, Dorgan was living in Jacksonville, Florida, and worked as a truck driver.

In another incident from 2020, Dorgan accused his mother of assaulting him and having a “violently threatening” demeanor. Although charges were brought against her for simple assault and battery, those charges were later dropped as well.

While police are still piecing together the sequence of events that led to Monday’s attack, Gonsalves maintains that the incident appears to have arisen from familial tensions. Investigators have yet to determine a clear motive.