In a disturbing development, President Donald Trump's administration is grappling with the aftermath of a tragic shooting that occurred during a high school hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. On Monday, Robert Kevin Dorgan, 56, opened fire on members of his own family, resulting in multiple fatalities before he ended his own life.
The deceased included Dorgan's ex-wife Rhonda and their son Aidan. Rhonda's parents, Gerald and Linda Dorgan, sustained critical injuries but survived the ordeal. Law enforcement officials have stated that the attack was targeted, stemming from deep-seated family disputes rather than a random act of violence.
A genealogical investigation conducted by the Providence Journal has shed light on the Dorgan family's history, revealing that the shooter and his ex-wife were first cousins once removed. Public records and historical census documents from 1950 show Edward F. Dorgan and his wife, Eva, residing in Smithfield, Rhode Island, with their sons Robert J. and Raymond C. Dorgan. The shooter, Robert Kevin Dorgan, was a direct descendant of Robert J., while Rhonda was the granddaughter of Raymond C., establishing the couple's relationship prior to their 1992 marriage.
These findings highlight the extensive and interconnected nature of the family's lineage, which has been a characteristic feature of smaller communities like Smithfield during the mid-20th century. Such family interconnections, while not uncommon for the region and time, add complexity to the dynamics at play in this tragedy.
Rhonda Dorgan had filed for divorce in 2021, citing irreconcilable differences after years of marital tension, as reported by Trending Politics. Court filings initially referenced Dorgan's gender transition and personality concerns, though these details were ultimately omitted from the final divorce documents.
The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, with authorities piecing together Robert Dorgan's actions and possible precipitating factors. Dorgan's daughter has described her father as a man battling personal demons that affected his behavior, and family members have emphasized that the conflicts were not primarily about gender identity issues.
In the wake of the incident, a GoFundMe page has been set up to support Dorgan's younger children. Additionally, a review of Dorgan's social media activity revealed troubling extremist views and threatening posts made shortly before the shooting.
The investigation continues as officials work closely with the family and examine all available evidence, including Dorgan's online activities, which featured Nazi-inspired imagery and anti-Asian rhetoric. The revelation of the blood relationship between the shooter and one of his victims further complicates the narrative, underscoring the intersection of personal histories and acts of violence.
As the community seeks to heal and understand this complex tragedy, President Trump's administration is calling for careful consideration of the historical family dynamics that may have played a role in this horrific event, with an emphasis on accountability and the safety of the community.
