SHOOTER KILLS EX-WIFE, SON AT HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY GAME IN US, RHODE ISLAND

HOUSTON, Feb 18 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Police in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, said Tuesday that an investigation is underway into a shooting in which a transgender suspect opened fire at a high school hockey game, killing two family members and injuring three others, Anadolu Ajansi reported.

Investigators said Robert Dorgan, 56, gunned down ex-wife Rhonda and adult son Aiden in the stands at Dennis M. Lynch Arena on Monday afternoon while the family was attending Dorgan's youngest son's high school hockey game.

Police said Rhonda died at the scene, and Aiden was rushed to the hospital, where he later died from gunshot wounds.

Dorgan also shot Rhonda's parents, Gerald and Linda, in addition to a family friend. All three remain at the hospital in critical condition.

"It appeared that the suspect was in female clothes yesterday," Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said at a Tuesday news conference.

"We've also learned that the suspect does use the names Roberta, Roberta Dorgan, and also Esposito," said Goncalves, noting that the suspect's legal name is Robert.

Investigators said three bystanders tried to subdue Dorgan in the stands before he managed to pull out a second gun and died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police said Dorgan legally purchased both guns.

"This was a targeted event. It looked like a family dispute, and there was one individual who was a family friend," said Goncalves.

The FBI is working with local police to determine a motive, as there was no recorded history of domestic violence in the family.

"We are all deeply and profoundly affected by the recent events that took place at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena," Dorgan's family said in a statement. "We are reminded that behind every headline is a family experiencing profound pain and loss."

"We care greatly for all families impacted by this recent tragedy and our thoughts are with them," they said.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU