A shooting incident at a Rhode Island ice arena during a senior night hockey game was interrupted by the quick actions of spectators, including one man who described his intervention as a spontaneous act of bravery. Michael Black, who was present at the game in Pawtucket on March 4, 2024, recounted how he confronted the shooter, later identified as Robert Dorgan.
In the final minutes of the first period, Black heard a series of popping noises. Initially believing they were balloons, he soon realized the severity of the situation when he spotted a pistol aimed at spectators in the second row. “As soon as I saw the pistol, I just said ‘run, run,’” Black recalled.
With adrenaline surging, Black took decisive action. He spotted a clear path towards the shooter and leaped across the seating area, aiming to disarm him. “I jumped across and went for the gun,” he said. However, as he attempted to gain control, his hand became caught in the weapon’s sliding chamber, preventing the shooter from firing.
Black described the intense struggle that ensued. “He shoved me and rolled onto the bleachers,” he said, explaining that several other bystanders also intervened, managing to subdue Dorgan. “He ended up falling right below me, and at that moment, I wanted to hold him down,” Black noted.
Tragically, during the confrontation, Dorgan retrieved a second firearm and took his own life. Despite the chaos, Black did not see himself as a hero. “I have such a high-level appreciation of what [emergency responders] do every day,” he reflected after witnessing the work of police and paramedics at the hospital.
A pivotal phone call from a Pawtucket detective changed Black’s perspective on his actions. The detective shared insights from the shooter’s daughter, who believed that without Black’s intervention, she could have been the next victim. “That changed my perspective a little bit,” he admitted, recognizing the impact of his actions on the lives of others.
The incident has drawn attention to the bravery of those who act in the face of danger, highlighting how ordinary individuals can play a crucial role in preventing tragedy. Black’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community response during critical moments.
