Gunman Kills 2, Injures 3 at Rhode Island High School Hockey Game
February 17, 2026
Two people died and three others were seriously hurt on Monday afternoon when a gunman opened fire at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Police have identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan, 56, a transgender father. He reportedly shot four family members and a family friend before shooting himself.
Reports say victims included the mother of Dorgan’s hockey-playing son and the son’s sibling. It is unclear if his ex-wife was among the dead. Witnesses said a “Good Samaritan” tried to stop the shooter and took one gun from him, but the attacker had a backup weapon. Police recovered both firearms.
Officials arrived about two minutes after the first emergency call at 2:30 pm. Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien said the city is mourning but stands strong.
Police Chief Tina Goncalves said the suspect was also known by the female name Roberta Esposito. He had gender reassignment surgery in 2020 and had legal family disputes linked to his transgender identity. His ex-wife cited "gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic + personality disorder traits" in their divorce filings, later changing to "irreconcilable differences." The divorce was finalized in 2021.
Dorgan had claimed threats from his father-in-law after his surgery. Online, he posted angry and erratic messages, mixing antisemitic, racist, pro-Second Amendment, and anti-abortion remarks. A woman identifying as his daughter said, “He shot my family, and he’s dead now,” adding he had “mental health issues” and was “very sick.”
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Tags:
Gun violence
Rhode Island
Hockey Game Shooting
Robert Dorgan
Transgender Shooter
Family dispute
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