A transgender father opened fire on his own family during a youth hockey game in Rhode Island, killing his ex-wife and child before turning the gun on himself—a horrifying act of domestic violence that has sparked urgent questions about mental health and the breakdown of family values in America.
Watch the news video in the first tweet below.
Story Snapshot
- Robert Dorgan, 56, shot and killed his ex-wife and one child at a Pawtucket hockey arena on February 16, 2026, while his son played on the ice
- Three additional family members remain in critical condition after Dorgan opened fire from the stands before committing suicide
- Court records reveal years of family conflict following Dorgan’s 2020 gender transition, including bitter divorce proceedings and allegations of mental health issues
- Hours before the shooting, Dorgan posted ominous social media threats warning people not to “bash” transgender individuals or “wonder why we Go BERSERK”
Tragedy Strikes During Family Event
Robert Dorgan, who identified as Roberta Esposito following gender reassignment surgery, arrived at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena during a high school hockey tournament between Coventry and Blackstone Valley Schools. His son was on the ice as a senior player for North Providence High School when Dorgan pulled out a firearm and began shooting from the stands.
The attack claimed two lives—his ex-wife and at least one of his children—while critically wounding three other family members and a family friend. Dorgan died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound as horrified families and young athletes witnessed the carnage.
Years of Family Turmoil and Legal Battles
The shooting culminated years of documented family conflict that began when Dorgan disclosed his gender transition to authorities in 2020. Court documents reveal that Dorgan’s then-wife cited “gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic + personality disorder traits” in divorce paperwork filed that same year.
Dorgan reported to North Providence police that his father-in-law demanded he leave the family home after the transition, allegedly using derogatory language and threatening retaliation.
Dorgan also accused his mother of assault, leading to charges that were later dismissed. The divorce was finalized in 2021 with grounds amended to “irreconcilable differences,” and Dorgan relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where he worked as a truck driver.
Transgender father Robert Dorgan ID’d as RI hockey shooter who gunned down family as sick posts are revealed. https://t.co/5wcAaEz5h0
— Dave Bondy (@DaveBondyTV) February 17, 2026
Disturbing Warning Signs on Social Media
Hours before committing the murders, Dorgan posted a chilling message on social media responding to actor Kevin Sorbo’s comments about transgender Democratic Representative Sarah McBride. Dorgan wrote, “Keep bashing us. But do not wonder why we Go BERSERK”—a statement that now reads as a direct threat and warning of the violence to come.
His daughter later told reporters that her father had “mental health issues” and was “very sick,” indicating that family members were aware of his psychological struggles. Police Chief Tina Goncalves classified the incident as a “family dispute,” while federal law enforcement sources described it as a clear case of domestic violence.
Pattern of Violence Raises Serious Concerns
This tragedy occurred within days of another mass shooting allegedly committed by a transgender individual at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in Canada, which left nine dead and 27 injured. Six months earlier, in August 2025, Robin Westman—a biological male identifying as a woman—killed two children and injured 17 at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Westman’s manifesto reportedly expressed regret about transitioning.
These incidents highlight a deeply troubling pattern that demands honest conversation about mental health intervention, the psychological impacts of gender transition, and the need for better crisis prevention measures.
The fact that Dorgan chose to carry out his attack at a public youth sporting event, traumatizing dozens of innocent children and families, underscores the devastating ripple effects when mental illness and family breakdown converge with violence.
Sources:
Hungarian Conservative – Transgender Shooting in Rhode Island
Fox News – Rhode Island Ice Rink Shooting Suspect’s Gender Identity and Past Family Conflict
The Telegraph – Hockey Match Shooter’s Messy Split After Gender Surgery
iHeart Radio – Hockey Rink Mass Shooter Identified, Shared Chilling Post Before Incident
