Pawtucket, Rhode Island — Tragedy struck during a high school hockey game when a shooter killed two family members, prompting a heart-wrenching commentary from his daughter about the nature of the attack. Amanda Wallace-Hubbard spoke out after her father, Robert Dorgan, who identified as a transgender woman and used the name Roberta Esposito, turned the gun on himself following the shooting.
The incident unfolded on February 16, during a match attended by the Dorgan family, where 52-year-old Rhonda Dorgan and her 23-year-old son, Aidan, lost their lives. The shooting occurred at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, where the couple’s son, Colin, was playing. In the chaos, Rhonda’s parents and a family friend were seriously injured and remain in critical condition in the hospital.
Wallace-Hubbard characterized the attack as a “targeted” and “very specific” assault on their family, asserting that it was not a random act of violence. “People need to know this was one person’s vendetta against our family,” the 36-year-old said, highlighting the premeditated nature of the event. She had been at the game with her own young sons when the shooting broke out, intensifying her fears for their safety.
In a show of bravery, a bystander named Michael Black intervened, tackling Dorgan during the ordeal. Wallace-Hubbard expressed gratitude to Black, stating that she believed his actions saved her children’s lives. “I can’t thank him enough. I’m certain my sons and I are alive because of him,” she said, reflecting on the horror of witnessing such violence unfold.
Following the incident, Wallace-Hubbard also addressed concerns regarding her father’s transgender identity, clarifying that it played no role in the family’s discord. “His transition had nothing to do with the rift in the family,” she explained, noting that her father’s struggles with deep personal issues led to the estrangement. She emphasized that her siblings and she have navigated complex feelings regarding Dorgan’s involvement in their lives, recognizing his flaws but also acknowledging certain redeeming qualities.
In the wake of the tragedy, unsettling social media posts from Dorgan emerged, revealing troubling views that included elements of racism, anti-Semitism, and pro-Nazi sentiment. This newfound information may provide context to the psychological struggles he faced, further complicating the family narrative around the violence.
As the community grapples with the emotional fallout of the shooting, Wallace-Hubbard’s testimony adds a layer of understanding to an already heartbreaking situation, shining a light on the challenges of familial relationships strained by personal demons and societal issues.