Shooter Kills Ex-Wife and Son at Rhode Island Ice Rink

Authorities identify the shooter as Robert Dorgan, a former Marine with a history of workplace issues.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A shooting at a Rhode Island ice rink has left two people dead, including the shooter's ex-wife and one of their sons. The shooter, identified as 55-year-old Robert Dorgan, was an employee at a Maine shipbuilding facility that contracts with the U.S. Navy. Coworkers described Dorgan as having a bad temper and being inconsistent in their views on transgender acceptance.

Why it matters

The tragic incident at the ice rink has shaken the local community and raised renewed questions about gun violence, mental health issues, and workplace safety. It also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by transgender individuals in the workplace and the need for greater understanding and acceptance.

The details

According to authorities, Dorgan entered the ice rink and opened fire, killing his ex-wife and one of their sons. Dorgan had a brief stint in the Marine Corps in 1988 but was discharged less than three months later due to behavior that was "incongruent with Marine Corps' expectations and standards." Coworkers described Dorgan as having a bad temper that sometimes led to screaming matches, and as being inconsistent in their views on transgender acceptance, sometimes being proud of their transition and other times feeling embarrassed.

  • The shooting occurred on February 17, 2026.
  • Dorgan enlisted in the Marine Corps on April 26, 1988 but was discharged on July 13, 1988.

The players

Robert Dorgan

The 55-year-old shooter, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito, was an employee at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, a shipbuilding facility in Bath, Maine that contracts with the U.S. Navy.

Destiny Mackenzie

A coworker of Dorgan's who recalled that Dorgan used the women's bathroom and would often talk about their hockey-playing son.

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works

The shipbuilding facility in Bath, Maine where Dorgan was employed and that contracts with the U.S. Navy.

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What they’re saying

“'What was supposed to be some seniors' only chance at playoff games is now ruined. Images that these kids and family's now have to live with. That's who I send my condolences to is those families. The reality of our gun laws needs a major reconsideration and it unfortunate guns land in the hands of such sick individuals.'”

— Destiny Mackenzie, Coworker (The Associated Press)

“Dorgan appeared to be split on the issue of transgender acceptance, one second being proud of transitioning and the next, embarrassed.”

— Anonymous Coworker (The Associated Press)

What’s next

Authorities are continuing to investigate the shooting and the background of the shooter, Robert Dorgan. The ice rink where the incident occurred will remain closed as the community mourns the tragic loss of life.

The takeaway

This horrific shooting has once again highlighted the urgent need to address gun violence, mental health issues in the workplace, and the ongoing challenges faced by transgender individuals in society. Policymakers and community leaders must work together to enact meaningful reforms and foster greater understanding to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.