Trans Shooter ‘Roberta’ Opens Fire at Rhode Island Ice Rink, Shoots Family Before Turning Gun on Self
A tragic shooting at a Rhode Island ice rink has left a family shattered after a transgender gunman—who reportedly went by the name “Roberta”—allegedly opened fire during a high school hockey game, killing his wife and wounding his children before taking his own life.
According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, the suspect, identified as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, had transitioned years earlier and was known to go by “Roberta.”
Authorities say the deadly incident unfolded at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena and stemmed from what investigators describe as a domestic violence situation that escalated into a murder-suicide.
At least one person was killed and multiple others were injured when shots rang out inside the arena, sending families scrambling for safety during the youth sporting event.
A source cited by FOX News indicated the gunman fatally shot his wife and wounded two of his children before turning the firearm on himself. He later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
WPRI reported that Dorgan had publicly changed his gender identification several years ago. In 2020, he reportedly went to the North Providence Police Department and stated that he had recently undergone gender-reassignment surgery. According to reports at the time, Dorgan claimed his father-in-law wanted him out of the family home following the surgery.
Court records show that around the same period Dorgan allegedly announced his gender transition, his wife filed for divorce. The filing cited “gender reassignment surgery” as well as “narcissistic + personality disorder traits.”
Investigators have not yet released additional details about what led to the shooting inside the crowded arena, but authorities indicated early findings suggest the violence was targeted and domestic in nature rather than a random act.










