On February 16, a tragic mass shooting took place at a hockey rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. One of the victims, Gerald Dorgan, passed away on February 25 at the age of 75 from injuries sustained during the shooting. Gerald was attending his grandson’s Senior Night Game with his daughter, Rhonda Dorgan, and grandson, Aidan Dorgan, when his estranged son-in-law, Robert Dorgan, opened fire.
The incident, which should have been a joyous occasion, turned into a nightmare as Robert shot and killed Rhonda and Aidan. Gerald’s wife, Linda Dorgan, and a family friend were also injured in the attack and remain hospitalized at the time of publication. Following the shooting, bystanders attempted to intervene, but Robert ultimately took his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from a family dispute, although a specific motive has not been disclosed. Reports indicate that Rhonda had filed for divorce in early 2020, citing reasons related to gender reassignment surgery and personality disorder traits. The divorce was finalized in 2021, and it is unclear what Robert’s relationship with his children was like after the split.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, a woman claiming to be Robert’s daughter spoke to reporters outside the Pawtucket police station, stating that he had mental health issues and was “very sick.” Witnesses at the hockey rink described the chaos and confusion that ensued after the gunshots rang out, with many initially mistaking the sounds for something else.
Melissa Dunn, a parent of a hockey player at the rink, expressed the sadness and shock felt by the community in the wake of the shooting. Olin Lawrence, a high school student and hockey player, recounted his experience of mistaking the gunshots for balloons before seeking safety in the locker room.
The Pawtucket mayor, Donald Grebien, offered condolences to the victims’ families and emphasized the need for support and healing in the community. The tragic events at the hockey rink have left a deep impact on Pawtucket and serve as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence.
