Transgender Shooter's Nazi Tattoo Revealed in Family Massacre at Hockey Game
The transgender gunman who murdered his ex-wife and son during a high school hockey match in Rhode Island had a prominent Nazi-inspired tattoo on his arm, according to social media images and authorities. Robert Dorgan, 56, who also used the name 'Roberta Esposito,' showcased a large SS symbol on his bicep in photos posted online, where he frequently expressed support for 'white power' ideologies.
Symbolism of Hate and Violence
The tattoo featured the SS symbol, extensively utilized in Nazi Germany propaganda, with a central Totenkopf or 'death's head' skull design featuring glowing red eyes. According to the Anti-Defamation League, this specific symbol represented an SS branch responsible for guarding concentration camps and is now commonly adopted by neo-Nazis and white supremacist groups due to its historical significance.
Dorgan maintained a documented history of disseminating antisemitic and racist content across his social media platforms. Merely one day before the shooting, he replied to a video praising Adolf Hitler with an anti-Asian slur. On that same day, he ominously threatened to go 'BESERK,' foreshadowing the impending violence.
Deadly Attack at Lynch Arena
The tragedy unfolded at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on Monday, where Dorgan opened fire, killing his 23-year-old son Aidan and his 52-year-old ex-wife Rhonda. Three additional family members sustained critical injuries during the rampage, which concluded when the shooter took his own life. The incident occurred just feet from where Rhonda's youngest son, 17-year-old Colin Dorgan, was competing on the ice as captain of the Blackstone Valley Schools' hockey team.
Video footage captured Colin, wearing his No. 17 jersey, skating backwards as gunshots echoed through the rink. The standout defenseman abruptly turned toward the source of the gunfire before hastily exiting the ice. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as players scrambled to flee the rink, spectators ducked for cover, and screams filled the arena.
Family Conflict and Gender Identity Struggles
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves indicated the shooting appeared targeted, likely stemming from an ongoing family dispute. Court records reveal Rhonda served Dorgan with divorce papers in 2020, initially citing his 'gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic and personality disorder traits' as grounds, though this was later amended to 'irreconcilable differences.' Their divorce was finalized in 2021.
Dorgan's gender identity had been a significant source of family contention. In early 2020, he reported to North Providence police that he had recently undergone gender reassignment surgery and claimed his father-in-law threatened to have him 'murdered by an Asian street gang' if he did not vacate their shared residence. The father-in-law allegedly stated, 'There's no goddam way a tranny is going to stay in my house.' Although charged with intimidation and obstruction, these charges were subsequently dismissed.
Additional court documents show Dorgan accused his mother of assault, leading to charges that were also eventually dismissed. Dorgan told police his father-in-law warned that 'further retaliation could be expected' if he did not drop the assault charges against his mother.
Aftermath and Community Response
Hours after the shooting, a woman identifying as Dorgan's daughter described him as having 'mental health issues' and urged others to 'trust your gut' if concerned about a loved one's wellbeing. The shooter's relationship with his children remains unclear, though a July 2023 social media photo showed him with Aidan and Colin.
Surveillance footage depicted Dorgan walking slowly through the arena stands before firing approximately a dozen shots. He was seen raising his arm and firing multiple times into one victim's back before a brave witness attempted to detain him from behind as others fled.
A GoFundMe campaign organized by Rhonda's stepdaughter Amanda Wallace-Hubbard has raised over $131,600 to support surviving siblings Ava and Colin with living expenses and education costs. The fundraiser notes that Aidan's grandparents were among those critically injured and are currently fighting for their lives in hospital.
'The weight of this loss is something no one should ever have to bear, especially at such young ages,' Wallace-Hubbard wrote. 'Despite the pain, Ava and Colin are determined to continue their education and build a life that honors the memory of our loved ones.'
The 'Senior Night' hockey game involved a co-op team from Coventry and Johnston playing against another co-op team from St. Raphael, PCD, North Providence, and North Smithfield schools. The tournament began at 2pm, with shots fired approximately thirty minutes later, transforming a community sporting event into a scene of unimaginable tragedy.
