A shooting incident at an ice arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was interrupted by a courageous intervention from a bystander during a hockey game on March 11, 2024. Michael Black, who attended the senior night hockey game, described how he confronted the shooter, ultimately preventing further violence.
As the first period approached its conclusion, Black heard a series of popping noises. Initially mistaking them for balloons, he quickly realized the gravity of the situation when he saw a gun aimed at spectators in the stands. “I thought that there was something wrong,” Black recalled. He immediately urged his wife and friends to flee the scene, signaling them to “run, run.”
When Black spotted a clear path, he acted decisively. “I just jumped across and went for the gun,” he said. In his attempt to disarm the shooter, later identified as Robert Dorgan, Black’s hand became caught in the weapon’s chamber. This momentary struggle prevented the shooter from firing any further shots.
Despite the chaos, Black noted that other individuals also stepped in to help subdue Dorgan. “There were several more heroes who choked the suspected shooter,” he said. At one point, Black found himself in a precarious position, staring down at Dorgan, who was now on the ground below him. “I wanted to come down and put my knee or something to hold him down,” he explained.
Tragically, during this confrontation, Dorgan produced a second firearm and took his own life. Black later expressed disbelief at the impact of his actions, stating he did not consider himself a hero. “I recognize I have heroes in my life, but these should be our heroes,” he reflected, speaking of the emergency responders.
A phone call from a Pawtucket detective shifted Black’s perspective on the events that transpired. The detective informed him that Dorgan’s daughter had witnessed the unfolding tragedy and believed Black’s intervention saved her life. “Until this guy in a black jacket tackled him and took the gun away, I’m sure he would have killed me,” the daughter reportedly said.
This encounter has left Black with a newfound appreciation for acts of bravery and the vital roles played by law enforcement and emergency personnel. His courageous act not only prevented further harm during a tense situation but also provided a lifeline for those in immediate danger.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss caused by this tragic event while recognizing the selflessness of those who intervened to protect others.
