A quiet evening at a Rhode Island ice hockey rink shattered on Monday, transformed into a scene of unimaginable tragedy as a family was targeted in a brutal act of violence. Robert Dorgan, 56, opened fire, claiming the lives of his ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their son, Aiden.
The shooting unfolded at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, sending players and spectators scrambling for safety. Witnesses described a terrifying scene of chaos and fear as multiple shots rang out during a high school game, the sounds of gunfire mingling with desperate screams.
Three others were critically injured in the attack – Rhonda Dorgan’s parents, Linda and Gerald Dorgan, and a family friend, Thomas Geruso. All remain hospitalized, their lives hanging in the balance as loved ones pray for their recovery.
Dorgan, who identified as transgender, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, bringing a horrific end to the ordeal. But the question of *why* remains at the heart of this devastating event.
Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, Dorgan’s daughter from a previous relationship, spoke with chilling clarity. This wasn’t a random act, she insisted, but a deliberate “vendetta” against her family. She was in the stands with her two young sons when the shooting began, witnessing the terror firsthand.
A courageous bystander intervened, tackling Dorgan and potentially saving countless lives. Wallace-Hubbard credits this “good Samaritan” with protecting her and her children, stating she is certain they are alive because of his bravery. The arena footage captured the heroic act, a moment of defiance against the unfolding horror.
Adding another layer of heartbreak, Colin Dorgan, the 17-year-old son of Robert and Rhonda, was actually *playing* in the hockey game when the shooting erupted. He was on the ice, forced to confront a nightmare no teenager should ever experience.
Investigators are meticulously reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses, attempting to reconstruct the timeline and understand the motive behind the attack. Police Chief Tina Goncalves has described the incident as a “family dispute,” but the depth of the conflict appears far more complex.
Court records reveal a history of escalating tensions between Dorgan and his relatives. In 2020, Dorgan reported to police that his father-in-law reacted negatively to his gender-reassignment surgery, allegedly using a derogatory term and threatening retaliation if he didn’t leave the family home. Charges were initially filed, but later dismissed.
The divorce proceedings between Robert and Rhonda Dorgan also offer a glimpse into the fractured relationship. Initial divorce paperwork cited “gender reassignment surgery” and “narcissistic personality disorder traits” before being amended to “irreconcilable differences.”
Further complicating the picture, Dorgan accused his own mother of assault in 2020, alleging violent and threatening behavior. That case, too, was ultimately dismissed. He even claimed his father-in-law threatened further retaliation if he pursued the assault charges.
Just the day before the shooting, Dorgan posted online, expressing extreme anger over a debate regarding the gender identity of a Delaware state representative. This online outburst adds another piece to the puzzle, hinting at the simmering frustrations that ultimately boiled over in a tragic act of violence.
The Dorgan family, reeling from unimaginable loss and facing the uncertain futures of those injured, is cooperating with authorities. They are understandably overwhelmed, seeking privacy and focusing on healing amidst the profound pain.
