An ordinary Monday at a Rhode Island ice skating rink became a nightmare when gunfire erupted during a youth hockey game, leaving two dead, three critically injured, and the suspected shooter dead from a self-inflicted gunshot. Footage circulating online show players and spectators scrambling for cover as the match turned into a fight for survival.
In the aftermath, chilling online posts by the suspect, 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, also known as Roberta Esposito, resurfaced. The writings reveal a man teetering on the edge of violence while his daughter confirmed he had long battled mental health issues.
Thetragedyoccurred shortly before 2.30pm at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, about five miles outside Providence. Police found one victim dead inside the rink, with a second dying later at hospital. Three more people were transported in critical condition.
The rink was hosting a youth hockey match with teams from Coventry Johnston co-op and St Raphael Providence Country Day North Providence North Smithfield co-op. The game was livestreamed online, and footage shows players skating as the first shots ring out. Spectators rushed for exits while players ducked on the bench. Chaos unfolded as the gunfire intensified.
Police confirmed the suspect was found dead at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Online, Dorgan's posts have resurfaced in shocking detail. He routinely engaged in discussions defending transgender people, while also suggesting in cryptic messages that some could 'go berserk.' One post reportedly warned: 'dont be so b*tt hurtt over somebody different. then wonder why trans ppl go fkn BERSERK.' Within 24 hours, he carried out the deadly attack, a stark reflection of the mental state his daughter described.
Public reaction online has been intense, with debates emerging about mental health, gender identity, and online behaviour. Experts caution against jumping to broad conclusions, noting the shooting appears to have been a deeply personal and family-related incident.
The resurfaced posts highlight the unsettling warning signs before the rampage. Social media users pointed out the stark contrast between Dorgan's online persona and the violence he unleashed. While defending the transgender community in some posts, other comments foreshadowed explosive anger and instability.
Authorities have not yet disclosed how Dorgan obtained his weapons or whether he had previous mental health interventions. Meanwhile, the community grapples with the shock of the attack, as the investigation continues and survivors receive care.
This horrific Rhode Island ice rink shooting underscores the devastating consequences when mental health struggles go untreated, amplified by online behaviour and social isolation.
Source: International Business Times UK
