Rhode Island Hockey Rink Shooting: Family Targeted in Tragic Arena Attack
In a devastating incident that has shocked the community, a shooting at a youth hockey game in Rhode Island on Monday, February 16, 2026, resulted in multiple casualties, with authorities confirming the shooter specifically targeted family members. The tragedy unfolded at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, casting a dark shadow over what should have been a routine sporting event.
Victims Identified in Targeted Attack
Pawtucket Chief of Police Tina Goncalves provided grim details, confirming that the shooter's ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their adult son, Aidan Dorgan, were killed in the attack. Three additional individuals were wounded and remain in critical condition as of Tuesday afternoon: Rhonda's parents, Linda and Gerald Dorgan, along with a family friend, Thomas Geruso. The shooting occurred during a youth hockey game where family members had gathered to watch 17-year-old Colin Dorgan, the son of Robert and Rhonda Dorgan, who was on the ice when the violence erupted.
Shooter Identified with Complex Background
Police identified the shooter as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. Authorities noted that Dorgan also went by the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano, adding layers of complexity to the investigation. Despite Dorgan having attended numerous hockey games at the arena previously without incident, Chief Goncalves stated there was "no indication" that such violence would occur, highlighting the sudden and unpredictable nature of the attack.
Family Members Describe Targeted Vendetta
Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, Dorgan's daughter from another relationship, provided chilling insight into the shooter's motives, describing it as a "vendetta" against the family. "We were targeted. This was very specific. It wasn't random," she emphasized to reporters. Wallace-Hubbard recounted being in the stands with her two young sons and other family members when the shooting began, crediting an unidentified good Samaritan with saving their lives by incapacitating the shooter. "I'm certain my sons and I are alive because of him," she expressed with profound gratitude.
Gender Identity and Marital Strife as Contributing Factors
Court documents and social media posts suggest that gender identity issues may have contributed to the family's turmoil. Rhonda Dorgan filed for divorce in 2020 after nearly three decades of marriage, initially citing "gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic + personality disorder traits" as reasons before revising it to "irreconcilable differences." Under the name Roberta Dorgano, the shooter posted on social media about marital troubles, including a 2018 statement that Rhonda "hates the person who stole her husband." In a disturbing post on X the day before the shooting, Dorgan responded to a transphobic comment by threatening to go "berserk," foreshadowing the tragic events to come.
Community and Safety Implications
This incident raises serious questions about safety at youth sports venues, which are typically considered safe community spaces. The Pawtucket police investigation continues as the community grapples with the aftermath, mourning the loss of life and supporting the wounded. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of how personal conflicts can escalate into public violence, affecting not only the targeted individuals but also the broader community that gathers for recreational activities.
