Transgender Shooter 'Robert Dorgan' Kills Two At Rhode Island Rink As Daughter Claims He Had Mental Health Issues

What began as an ordinary Monday afternoon at a Rhode Island ice skating rink turned into a scene of terror when gunfire shattered the air inside a packed arena. Families gathered for a youth hockey game suddenly found themselves fleeing for safety as shots rang out.

Two adults were killed, three others were critically injured, and the suspected gunman, identified as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. In the hours that followed, Dorgan's daughter publicly claimed that her father had long struggled with mental health issues.

Gunfire Erupts During Youth Hockey Game

The shooting unfolded shortly before 2.30pm at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, around five miles outside Providence. According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, officers arrived to find one victim dead inside the arena, while a second later died in hospital.

Three additional victims were transported to hospital in critical condition, where they remained on Monday night.

The rink was hosting a youth hockey game at the time, with teams from Coventry Johnston co op and St Raphael Providence Country Day North Providence North Smithfield co op playing. The match was being livestreamed online. In footage later verified by US media, players were initially confused before scrambling for cover as spectators rushed for the exits.

Police confirmed that the suspect was found dead at the scene from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police Probe Family Dispute Motive

Goncalves described the violence as a targeted event that may have stemmed from a family dispute. She said investigators believe the conflict involved one family and possibly a family friend.

'We have several witnesses that are at the station,' she told reporters. 'We are going to put together a story before we release information, to make sure that the information put out there is accurate and correct.'

The names of the victims have not yet been publicly released. Authorities have not detailed the exact relationship between Dorgan and those killed and injured, citing the ongoing investigation.

The FBI confirmed it was assisting local and state law enforcement. FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau would provide any necessary resources, adding there was no imminent threat to public safety.

Daughter Speaks Out About Mental Health

Police identified Dorgan as the suspected gunman. Officials said he also used the name Roberta Esposito and had recently begun presenting as a woman.

In a statement circulated online, Dorgan's daughter confirmed that her father was responsible for the shooting. She described him as 'very sick' and said he had mental health issues.

Her remarks have fuelled fierce debate online, with some commentators linking the case to wider discussions about gender identity and mental health. Others urged caution, stressing that investigators have not suggested any broader motive beyond what appears to be a deeply personal dispute.

Police have not commented on how Dorgan obtained the weapons used in the attack or whether he had a documented history of mental illness.

Schools And Community Left Reeling

As panic spread through the arena, school officials moved quickly to reassure families. Coventry Public Schools Superintendent Don Cowart confirmed that all Coventry students were safe and had been reunited with their loved ones. He said mental health resources would be made available to hockey players and families.

Providence Country Day School and St Raphael Academy also confirmed that their students and staff at the game were unharmed.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee said he was praying for Pawtucket and everyone involved, calling it a heartbreaking day for the state.

Goncalves credited a good Samaritan who intervened during the chaos, attempting to subdue the gunman. She said the intervention may have prevented the situation from becoming even worse.

As investigators piece together what led to the deadly confrontation inside the Rhode Island ice skating rink, the central questions remain painfully clear. Two lives have been lost, three more hang in the balance, and a family dispute has ended in tragedy. Meanwhile, a daughter's claim of untreated mental health struggles adds another complex layer to a case that has shaken a community to its core.