Back-to-Back Shootings Raise Concerns About Trans Mass Killers

Incidents in Canada and Rhode Island prompt debate over mental health, gun laws, and transgender ideology

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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In the span of four days, two separate public shootings were committed by self-identified transgender women, leaving a total of eight people dead. The back-to-back massacres have reignited allegations from conservative pundits that transgender individuals are more prone to violence, while Democratic leaders have pushed back against attempts to villainize the transgender community. The shooters in both cases had documented histories of mental illness, raising questions about the intersection of gender identity, mental health, and gun violence.

Why it matters

These incidents have sparked a renewed debate over the potential link between transgender identity and violence, with some conservative figures arguing that transgender ideology is a contributing factor. However, data shows that transgender individuals are responsible for less than 0.1% of mass shootings, and mental illness appears to be a more significant factor. The shootings also highlight the ongoing challenges in addressing gun violence and mental health issues in the United States and Canada.

The details

In the first incident, 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, also known as Roberta Esposito, opened fire at an ice rink in Rhode Island, killing his ex-wife, one of his children, and then himself. Dorgan had a documented history of mental illness, including narcissistic personality disorder traits, and his gender identity was a point of contention in his divorce. In the second incident, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who identified as a girl since age 12, murdered his mother and stepbrother before traveling to a secondary school in Canada and shooting and killing five students and one teacher. Van Rootselaar also had a history of mental health issues and had been apprehended by police on several occasions for assessment under the Mental Health Act.

  • On Monday, February 13, 2026, Robert Dorgan opened fire at an ice rink in Rhode Island, killing three people.
  • On Friday, February 17, 2026, Jesse Van Rootselaar murdered his mother and stepbrother before traveling to a secondary school in Canada and killing six people.

The players

Robert Dorgan

Also known as Roberta Esposito, a 56-year-old man who underwent gender reassignment surgery in 2020 and committed a shooting in Rhode Island, killing three people.

Jesse Van Rootselaar

An 18-year-old Canadian who identified as a girl since age 12 and committed a shooting at a secondary school in Canada, killing six people.

Dan McKee

The Democratic governor of Rhode Island, who made a statement about the shooting in his state but did not mention the shooter's mental illness or transgender identity.

Rev. Jordan Wells

A social media influencer pastor who criticized Gov. McKee for not addressing the shooter's mental health and transgender issues.

Charlie Kirk

The founder of Turning Point USA, who called for transgender Americans to not be allowed to own guns after a previous mass shooting committed by a transgender person.

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What they’re saying

“He completely skips the shooter's documented mental illness and transgender issues—his own daughter even called it out!”

— Rev. Jordan Wells, Social media influencer pastor (X)

“If you are crazy enough to want to hormonally and surgically 'change your sex,' you have a mental disorder, and you are too crazy to own a firearm.”

— Charlie Kirk, Founder of Turning Point USA (Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in the Rhode Island case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Robert Dorgan out on bail.

The takeaway

These shootings highlight the complex intersection of mental health, gender identity, and gun violence. While the data does not support a direct link between transgender identity and increased violence, the mental health challenges faced by the transgender community are clearly a contributing factor that needs to be addressed. Policymakers and community leaders must work to find solutions that balance public safety with compassion and support for vulnerable populations.