Rhode Island Hockey Arena Shooting: A Family Targeted by Revenge
The tragic shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on Monday, February 16, 2026, was not a random act of violence, but a deliberate act of revenge against a family, according to Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, the daughter of the shooter, Robert Dorgan. The incident left Rhonda and Aidan Dorgan dead, and Rhonda’s parents critically injured.
A History of Conflict and a Bitter Divorce
Robert Dorgan, armed with a Glock 10mm and a SIG Sauer P226, targeted his ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their son, Aidan. The shooting occurred during a high school hockey game, adding to the shock and horror of the event. Court documents reveal Rhonda Dorgan initially cited “gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic and personality disorder traits” as reasons for filing for divorce in 2020, later amending the claim to “irreconcilable differences” after nearly 30 years of marriage.
“We Were Targeted”: Daughter’s Plea for Understanding
“I just want to make sure people understand this was one person’s vendetta against their family,” Wallace-Hubbard stated to WPRI. “We were targeted. This was very specific. It wasn’t random.” She expressed fear for her own sons’ safety during the rampage, stating they were only spared thanks to the intervention of a bystander, Michael Black.
Heroic Intervention Stops Further Violence
Michael Black, described as a Good Samaritan, tackled Dorgan, preventing further harm. He recounted hearing noises like “balloons popping” before intervening and grabbing for the gun, ultimately getting his hand caught in the weapon’s chamber, preventing Dorgan from firing again. Colin Dorgan, the shooter’s son, was present at the game during the incident.
Online Threats and a Pattern of Anger
Following the shooting, a review of Dorgan’s social media revealed a pattern of anger and hateful rhetoric. He reportedly threatened to “go berserk” in a post reacting to someone misgendering transgender Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride. Former co-workers described Dorgan as having a bad temper and experiencing fluctuating feelings about his gender transition.
Critical Injuries and Ongoing Investigation
In addition to the fatalities, Rhonda Dorgan’s parents, Linda and Gerald, and family friend Thomas Geruso were critically injured. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed the injuries and stated that investigators are reviewing surveillance video and have interviewed over 1000 witnesses.
A Disturbing Trend: Violence and the Transgender Community
This shooting comes less than a week after another incident in Canada, where Jesse Van Rootselaar killed a teacher and five students at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. This raises concerns about a potential pattern of violence involving individuals who identify as transgender.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What motivated Robert Dorgan to commit this act? According to his daughter, Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, it was a personal vendetta against his family.
- Who intervened to stop the shooter? Bystander Michael Black tackled Robert Dorgan, preventing further harm.
- What was the status of the divorce between Robert and Rhonda Dorgan? They had been in a contentious divorce battle since 2020.
- Were there any warning signs before the shooting? Dorgan had posted threatening messages online and was described as having a history of anger.
Pro Tip: If you or someone you recognize is experiencing domestic violence or has thoughts of harming others, please reach out for help. Resources are available, and you are not alone.
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