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Pawtucket Killer's Son Imprisoned for Torching Black Church
Notebook reveals racist ideology behind arson attack on Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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A transgender killer who executed his ex-wife and son at a Rhode Island hockey game has a son serving federal prison time for torching a predominantly Black church with a notebook full of violent racist threats. The tragedy highlights a disturbing pattern of violence involving transgender-identified individuals and the need to address mental illness rather than solely focusing on gun control.
Why it matters
This case underscores the complex intersection of mental health, ideology, and violence, raising questions about how to effectively identify and intervene with individuals exhibiting concerning behaviors before they escalate to tragic acts. It also highlights the ongoing debate around the role of transgender identity in some high-profile acts of violence.
The details
Robert Dorgan, a transgender individual, opened fire at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, killing his ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and their son Aidan Dorgan. He also critically wounded several other family members before taking his own life. Authorities later revealed that Dorgan's son from a previous relationship, Kevin Colantonio, is serving a federal prison sentence for arson targeting a predominantly Black church in North Providence. Colantonio's notebook, seized during his arrest, contained violent racist statements including 'hunt them down, gun them down, everyone that isn't white' and 'burn churches to the ground.'
- On February 16, 2026, Robert Dorgan opened fire at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
- In February 2025, Kevin Colantonio pleaded guilty to setting fire to the exterior of Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries in North Providence in February 2024.
The players
Robert Dorgan
A transgender individual who executed his ex-wife and son at a Rhode Island hockey game before taking his own life.
Kevin Colantonio
The son of Robert Dorgan from a previous relationship, who is serving a federal prison sentence for arson targeting a predominantly Black church in North Providence.
Rhonda Dorgan
The ex-wife of Robert Dorgan, who was killed by him at the hockey game.
Aidan Dorgan
The son of Robert and Rhonda Dorgan, who was killed by his father at the hockey game.
Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries
A predominantly Black church in North Providence that was targeted in an arson attack by Kevin Colantonio.
What’s next
The Rhode Island hockey community is holding vigils to mourn the victims, and authorities are continuing to investigate the connections between the Dorgan family and the church arson committed by Kevin Colantonio.
The takeaway
This tragic case highlights the urgent need to address mental health issues and extremist ideologies in a comprehensive manner, rather than solely focusing on gun control measures. Effective intervention and prevention strategies must consider the complex interplay of factors that can lead to such devastating acts of violence.
