Daughter Reveals Dad's Vendetta Motive in RI Shooting

Tragic shooting at hockey game was not random, but a deliberate act of revenge against family, says shooter's daughter.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 6:31am

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The tragic shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on February 16, 2026, was not a random act of violence, but a deliberate act of revenge against a family, according to the shooter's daughter, Amanda Wallace-Hubbard. Robert Dorgan, armed with two guns, targeted his ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and their son Aidan, killing them. The shooting occurred during a high school hockey game, adding to the shock and horror of the event.

Why it matters

This shooting raises concerns about a potential pattern of violence involving individuals who identify as transgender, following a similar incident in Canada just a week prior. It also highlights the need for better understanding and support for those struggling with mental health and domestic issues.

The details

Court documents reveal Rhonda Dorgan initially cited 'gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic and personality disorder traits' as reasons for filing for divorce in 2020, later amending the claim to 'irreconcilable differences' after nearly 30 years of marriage. A review of Dorgan's social media revealed a pattern of anger and hateful rhetoric, including threats to 'go berserk' in response to someone misgendering a transgender politician.

  • The shooting occurred on Monday, February 16, 2026, during a high school hockey game.
  • Rhonda Dorgan filed for divorce from Robert Dorgan in 2020.

The players

Robert Dorgan

The shooter, armed with a Glock 10mm and a SIG Sauer P226, who targeted his ex-wife and son in a deliberate act of revenge.

Rhonda Dorgan

The ex-wife of Robert Dorgan, who was killed in the shooting along with their son Aidan.

Amanda Wallace-Hubbard

The daughter of Robert Dorgan, who revealed that the shooting was a deliberate act of revenge against her family.

Michael Black

A bystander who tackled Robert Dorgan, preventing further harm.

Colin Dorgan

The son of Robert Dorgan, who was present at the hockey game during the incident.

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What they’re saying

“I just want to make sure people understand this was one person's vendetta against their family. We were targeted. This was very specific. It wasn't random.”

— Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, Daughter of the shooter

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This shooting highlights the need for better understanding and support for those struggling with mental health and domestic issues, as well as the potential for violence involving individuals who identify as transgender. It underscores the importance of addressing these complex societal challenges to prevent such tragic events from occurring in the future.