PROVIDENCE, R.I. — In a harrowing scene at a local hockey rink, Michael Black witnessed a shocking act of violence unfold, mistaking the sound of gunfire for a harmless disturbance. As chaos erupted, he instinctively leaped into action, prioritizing his wife’s safety while attempting to disarm the shooter.
Black’s desperate intervention came as Robert Dorgan opened fire during a youth hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena. In the moments that followed the initial shots, Black managed to get his hand lodged in Dorgan’s weapon, preventing further casualties. Despite being hoisted by the much larger assailant, Black held on until other brave bystanders rushed to help subdue Dorgan, who ultimately succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Pawtucket police have confirmed that Dorgan, also known as Roberta Dorgano, is believed to have killed his ex-wife and son in the assault. Three others, including Rhonda Dorgan’s parents and a family friend, sustained serious injuries and remain in critical condition.
Black shared that his immediate thoughts were to keep his wife safe and to neutralize the threat. “Once I made sure she was out, my focus shifted to the shooter,” he recounted. “I just wanted to get the gun and stop him.”
Others, including Robert Rattenni and Ryan Cordeiro, joined Black in detaining Dorgan. The swift actions of these civilians are credited with averting further tragedy, as local authorities described them as “courageous citizens” who significantly enhanced the chances of survival for those injured.
As the chaos unfolded, Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, Dorgan’s stepdaughter, was in the stands and later stated that she believed Black’s actions saved her life, as she was in close proximity to the shooter. The ice rink was a familiar setting for Dorgan’s family, making the shooting even more perplexing for the community.
Authorities are working to understand the motive behind the attack and why Dorgan chose this particular venue. Although he had a history at the rink, evidence from court records suggests his tumultuous personal life may have played a role, including his ex-wife’s divorce filing linked to broader personal issues.
Amidst the aftermath, those who rushed to aid the injured were met with a grim scene. Blood covered the area where five shooting victims lay, and emergency personnel arrived rapidly to assist. Black, with his injured hand, eventually reunited with his wife, who expressed a mix of pride and anger over his life-risking actions.
During his hospital stay, Black was referred to as a hero, a title he modestly resisted. “I don’t feel like a hero right now,” he said, reflecting on the loss of life and the trauma endured by so many that day. “The gravity of the situation weighs heavily on me.”
The emotional toll of the incident lingered, but Black decided not to let the shooter’s actions define his life. After some contemplation, he took his son on a planned college visit in South Carolina, determined to reclaim their normalcy.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, survivors like Black find themselves navigating not only physical wounds but also the psychological scars left by violence. Despite the harrowing experience, he emphasizes a commitment to move forward, undeterred by fear.