Trans dad’s family describes ‘profound pain and loss’ after deadly ice rink shooting

The Dorgan family is grappling with immense pain and grief following the tragic incident at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, where transgender father Robert Dorgan opened fire at a Rhode Island high school hockey tournament, resulting in the loss of his adult son and ex-wife.

In a statement released through their attorney Joseph Signore, the Dorgan family expressed their deep sorrow over the events that unfolded. They emphasized that behind the headlines lies a family enduring significant anguish and loss. The family extended their thoughts and care to all those affected by the tragedy and emphasized their focus on supporting those who have been impacted by the devastating events.

Robert Dorgan, who went by the name Roberta Esposito and identified as a woman, targeted his own family in the horrific shooting at the ice hockey rink in Pawtucket. Armed with firearms, Dorgan fatally shot his 23-year-old son, Aidan, and his ex-wife, 52-year-old Rhonda Dorgan, during the tournament. The harrowing incident was captured on camera, showing families fleeing in terror as the shots rang out.

Amongst the injured were Rhonda’s parents, Linda Dorgan and Gerald Dorgan, as well as a family friend, Thomas Geruso, all of whom are currently in critical condition at a Rhode Island hospital. The motive behind the attack was described by Dorgan’s daughter from another relationship, Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, as a vendetta against their family, emphasizing that the attack was targeted and not random.

The tragedy was averted from escalating further thanks to a courageous bystander who intervened and stopped Dorgan from causing more harm. Subsequently, Dorgan turned the gun on himself, bringing the chaos to a tragic end. Police categorized the incident as a devastating “family dispute.”

Reports indicated that Dorgan had undergone gender reassignment surgery in 2020, with his trans identity and erratic behavior being central to ongoing family court disputes leading up to the shooting. The turmoil within the family culminated in the tragic events at the hockey tournament.

Following the incident, Dorgan’s ex-wife revised the reason for their divorce, citing irreconcilable differences as the cause for the breakdown of their marriage, which was finalized in 2021. The aftermath of the shooting has left a community reeling from the loss and devastation caused by the senseless act of violence.