A tragic incident unfolded at a high school hockey game in Rhode Island, where a transgender mass shooter targeted his own family members. The shooter, Robert Dorgan, 56, unleashed a hail of bullets in the stands, resulting in the deaths of his ex-father-in-law, Gerald Dorgan, his ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan, and their grandson Aidan Dorgan. The shooter’s ex-mother-in-law, Linda Dorgan, and family friend Thomas Geruso were also critically injured in the attack.
The shooting, which took place at Lynch Arena, left the community reeling from the senseless violence. Gerald Dorgan, 75, had been in critical condition since the incident and tragically succumbed to his injuries nine days later. The Pawtucket Mayor, Donald R. Grebien, expressed profound sadness at the loss of another life due to the shooting.
Robert Dorgan’s troubled history and gender reassignment were factors that contributed to the family’s tumultuous relationship. His ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, had reportedly asked him to leave the house after undergoing gender reassignment surgery in 2020. The shooter’s trans identity and erratic behavior had been the subject of ongoing family court disputes leading up to the tragic shooting.
The harrowing incident was captured on camera, showing Robert Dorgan opening fire on his own family members during the hockey game. Despite the chaos, hero onlookers managed to tackle the shooter before he could inflict further harm. Robert Dorgan ultimately took his own life as law enforcement responded to the scene.
The community continues to mourn the loss of innocent lives and offer support to those affected by the shooting. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence and the importance of addressing mental health issues within families. As Pawtucket grapples with the aftermath of this horrific event, the memory of the victims will be honored, and efforts to prevent future tragedies will be prioritized.
