The gunman responsible for a deadly shooting at a Rhode Island ice rink also went by a female name, police have confirmed.
Robert Dorgan, 56, used the name "Roberta Esposito", according to authorities.
Police Chief Tina Goncalves revealed at a press conference on Monday evening that Dorgan discharged approximately 12 rounds into the spectator area at the Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.
Two people died in the attack, which occurred during a high school hockey match, before the shooter turned the gun on himself.
The victims included a relative and a family friend.
Three additional victims remain in critical condition at a nearby hospital.
Court documents reveal that Dorgan's gender identity had been a source of conflict within his family.
He reportedly told police in early 2020 that he had undergone gender reassignment surgery.
Dorgan alleged his father-in-law wanted him removed from their shared home as a result.
PICTURED: Robert Dorgan, after changing his name to Roberta Esposito
|According to court records, Dorgan claimed his father-in-law threatened to "have him murdered by an Asian street gang if he did not move out of the residence".
He also alleged his father-in-law told him "there's no goddam way a t****y is going to stay in my house".
The father-in-law faced charges of witness intimidation and obstruction, though prosecutors subsequently dismissed them.
Dorgan entered the arena on Monday afternoon to watch a 'Senior Night' hockey game in which a relative was participating.
He opened fire at approximately 2.30pm (7.30pm GMT).
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Dorgan discharged approximately 12 rounds into the spectator area at the Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket on Monday
|X/ERICRUEB
Video footage captured a man wearing a white beanie descending through the stands before shooting into the crowd.
Spectators fled as the gunfire continued.
Players on the ice ducked for cover and scrambled to safety as screams filled the venue.
Following the incident, a woman identified herself to WCVB as the shooter's daughter.
"He shot my family, and he's dead now," she said, adding that he "has mental health issues".
PICTURED: Players and spectators hug outside the ice rink as police cordon off the scene
|REUTERS
Robert Dorgan killed two people, then himself, in the deadly attack at the Dennis M Lynch Arena
|REUTERS
A source from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives told Fox News that Dorgan killed his wife and fired upon his children before taking his own life.
His ex-wife Rhonda is believed to be among the deceased.
Court records show she filed for divorce while Dorgan was making allegations against family members.
Her initial filing cited "gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic and personality disorder traits" as grounds, though these were later amended to "irreconcilable differences".
The couple's divorce was finalised in June 2021.
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