Lucy Devine
A father who was identified as the suspect in a shooting in Rhode Island on Monday (February 16) allegedly made a concerning social media post days before.
Two people - alongside the shooter - were killed in the shooting, which took place at a high school hockey game. Meanwhile, three people are believed to be in a critical condition after obtaining severe injuries.
Pawtucket police chief, Tina Goncalves, has explained that it occurred at Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, a few miles outside Providence.
A video acquired by the Providence Journal shows that around 13 shots run out through the ice rink in six seconds. A final shot was then heard 11 seconds later.
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Goncalves has since identified the shooter, whose birth name was Robert Dorgan.
"So what I can say right now is that we have identified a suspect by a birth name. The birth name was Robert Dorgan," she said at a press conference.
"We have already learned that the person does go by the name Roberta, [and] also uses the last name of Esposito. But, again, that will all be confirmed throughout the course of the investigation as to their status."
Following the shooting, an X account with the name 'Roberta Dorgano' has been linked to the suspect, as per Newsweek.
In one post, the account replies to actor Kevin Sorbo, who made an anti-transgender remark about Democrat Representative Sarah McBride.
The account wrote: "Keep bashing us. but do not wonder why we Go BERSERK."
The account then adds a reply to another person in the comments, writing: "Stfu Alex dont be so butt hurtt over somebody different. then wonder why trans ppl go fkn BERSERK."
While the suspect has been named, law enforcement are yet to name any of the victims of the shooting. However, Goncalves did say that one of the victims of the attack was a 'family friend'.
News station WPRI-TV claims that court documents reveal that in 2020, the suspect had contacted North Providence police after a dispute with family members.
The suspect allegedly claimed that following gender reassignment surgery, there had been pressure to leave the family home.
Charges were later filed but dismissed.
If you or someone you know has been affected by gun violence, please find more information and support via Survivors Empowered on their website.
Or, if you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].