Tragic Shooting at Rhode Island Hockey Tournament
The family of Robert Dorgan has shared their “deep pain and loss” following a tragic incident at a high school hockey tournament in Rhode Island, where Dorgan shot and killed his adult son and ex-wife.
In a statement released by their attorney, Joseph Signore, the family expressed their profound grief, saying, “We are all deeply and profoundly affected by the recent events at Dennis M. Lynch Arena.” They highlighted the human aspect behind news stories, adding, “We care deeply for all the families affected by this recent tragedy and our thoughts are with them.”
They mentioned having many questions but emphasized that their focus is on those injured and whose lives are irrevocably changed.
Dorgan, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito, opened fire during a senior event at an ice hockey rink. Armed with a Glock 10mm and a SIG Sauer P226, the 56-year-old targeted families in attendance, tragically killing his 23-year-old son Aidan, who was a standout defenseman, along with his ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, who was 52.
Disturbing footage from the scene shows the chaos as families celebrating Senior Night scrambled for safety. Rhonda’s parents and a family friend were also shot and are currently in critical condition at a local hospital.
Dorgan’s daughter from another relationship, Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, described the assault as “one man’s revenge against his family,” emphasizing that it was a targeted act, not random violence. “This was very specific. We were targeted,” she stated.
The situation could have escalated further if not for a good Samaritan who intervened, stopping Dorgan before he could cause more harm. Following the incident, Dorgan’s father, who was in poor health, attempted to turn the gun on himself.
Police have characterized the event as a tragic “family dispute.” Reports indicate that Dorgan underwent gender reassignment surgery in 2020, and his identity was a point of contention in various family court disputes leading up to the shooting.
Later on, Dorgan’s ex-wife amended their separation reasons, claiming “irreconcilable differences that caused the immediate breakdown of the marriage” as the basis for their divorce finalized in 2021.
