Trans Man in Dress Kills Family Despite RI Gun Laws

by: aDirect - Grok - Mr. W C CT.
2026-02-17
02/17/2026

Trans Man in Dress Kills Family Despite RI Gun Laws by Grok is licensed under Grok xAI

On February 16, 2026, a tragic shooting unfolded at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, during a high school hockey tournament. The shooter, identified as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan—a man who also went by the name Roberta Esposito and identified as transgender—wore a dress, makeup, and women’s clothing as he opened fire on his family members in what authorities described as a targeted family dispute. Dorgan targeted his wife, three children, and a family friend who were attending the game to support his son’s team from North Providence High School. The incident resulted in two fatalities and three critical injuries before Dorgan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, bringing the total death count to three.

Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed that the shooting appeared to stem from ongoing familial tensions, though specific details about the motive were not immediately released. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene inside the packed rink, with families and players fleeing as gunfire erupted around 2:30 p.m. The event disrupted the youth hockey game, leading to an immediate lockdown and evacuation, while emotional reunions occurred outside as loved ones sought safety. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities emphasizing that there is no broader threat to the public.

This incident has sparked discussions on gun violence, family dynamics, and mental health in the context of personal identity struggles. While some reports highlighted Dorgan’s transgender identity and his choice to wear a dress and makeup as a man as potential factors in the family dispute, experts caution against oversimplifying complex motivations without full evidence. The tragedy also underscores broader societal issues, including how such violence can occur despite Rhode Island’s strict gun control laws, which rank among the toughest in the nation with measures like universal background checks, assault weapons bans (effective July 2026), large-capacity magazine prohibitions, and a minimum purchase age of 21. These regulations highlight ongoing debates about firearm access and support systems for individuals facing personal crises, regardless of underlying causes.

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