Media Accused of Downplaying Trans Shooter's Identity in Rhode Island Tragedy

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A shooting incident at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island left three dead, including the shooter. Early reports from British media outlet Daily Mail indicated the shooter was a transgender man in his 50s, but U.S. legacy media outlets like The Washington Post, Associated Press, and The New York Times avoided mentioning the shooter's transgender identity, according to conservative critics who claim the media is driven by a 'woke' agenda to protect transgender individuals.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate over media coverage of mass shootings, particularly when the perpetrator's identity or motives may challenge progressive narratives. Critics argue the legacy media is more concerned with ideology than reporting facts, while defenders say they are trying to avoid sensationalizing or stigmatizing marginalized groups.

The details

The Daily Mail initially reported the shooter was a transgender man in his 50s, but U.S. media outlets like The Washington Post, Associated Press, and The New York Times avoided those details, only referring to the shooter as 'Robert Dorgan' or 'Roberta Esposito.' Conservative outlets like The Federalist and The Daily Signal accused the legacy media of deliberately downplaying the shooter's transgender identity to protect a 'woke' agenda that views transgender individuals as an 'oppressed minority' who must be shielded from criticism.

• The shooting incident occurred at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on February 23, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Authorities in Pawtucket continue to investigate the shooting incident and the shooter's motives. The debate over media coverage of mass shootings involving marginalized groups is likely to continue.