A transgender father who posted a chilling online warning about going “berserk” the night before a mass shooting killed two people and left three critically injured after opening fire on family members from the stands at a high school ice hockey tournament in Rhode Island.
Robert Dorgan, 56, targeted members of his own family during the attack at a school match in Pawtucket on Monday, with police identifying him as the sole suspect after he was found dead at the scene. Four family members were shot, including a young girl, alongside a family friend before the attack ended.
Police Chief Tina Goncalves stated: “We have identified the person, the suspect, by a birth name, the birth name was Robert Dorgan. We have also learned that the person does go by the name of Roberta, also uses a last name of Esposito.” Goncalves confirmed the suspect identified as female and had reportedly undergone gender reassignment surgery in 2020, according to court filings obtained by WPRI.
The night before the shooting, Dorgan responded to an anti-trans post on social media writing: “Keep bashing us. but do not wonder why we Go BERSERK.” The warning came hours before the attack erupted just before 2.30pm on Monday at the tournament where Dorgan’s child, a North Providence High School senior, was competing.
Investigators believe the motive was likely a domestic dispute between Dorgan and an ex-wife. Court filings revealed significant domestic turmoil surrounding Dorgan around the time of the gender reassignment surgery, with a partner filing for divorce in 2020 citing “gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic and personality disorder traits.” The official reason was later changed to “irreconcilable differences.” A separate report was filed against a father-in-law with North Providence Police Department in 2020.
Witnesses described a heroic bystander managing to rip a firearm from Dorgan’s hands after the first shots were fired. However, a second weapon was produced and the attack continued. Two guns were recovered at the scene by Rhode Island police.
Horror footage captured hockey players skating off the rink as shots rang out across the arena. Officers arrived within two minutes of the first 911 call.
Since Dorgan was identified, an X account believed to belong to the suspect was uncovered containing thousands of posts including anti-trans hate messages alongside antisemitic, pro-Nazi and racist content.
Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien confirmed his force is working with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office “to ensure the facts are fully established.” He stated: “Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning. We will stand together to support all those affected in the difficult days ahead.”
Police have not yet revealed the identities of those killed or whether the ex-wife or father-in-law were present at the game. The three victims in critical condition continue receiving hospital treatment as investigators work to establish the full circumstances of the attack.
