A witness who intervened during a fatal shooting at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, has described the moments when he realized gunfire had erupted in the stands and made the decision to confront the armed assailant.
Michael Black, who attended the game to support a friend’s son, was seated in the bleachers at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena when the violence unfolded. In an interview with a local television station, Black recounted his initial confusion as shots rang out in the crowded venue.
“I heard another popping and recognized it was not a balloon,” Black stated, describing how he first mistook the gunfire for the sound of balloons bursting before understanding the gravity of the situation.
Upon recognizing the threat, Black made swift decisions that likely prevented further casualties. He instructed his wife and a companion to flee the area immediately. Then, rather than seeking his own safety, Black stood on the bleachers and lunged toward the shooter in an attempt to stop the attack.
The shooter has been identified as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also went by the name Roberta. According to authorities, Dorgan killed his ex-wife and son before turning the weapon on himself, dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The tragedy unfolded at what should have been an ordinary community sporting event, where families and friends had gathered to watch young athletes compete. Instead, the evening ended with police and emergency vehicles surrounding the arena as first responders worked to secure the scene and tend to victims.
Investigators have revealed that warning signs may have preceded the attack. Dorgan reportedly posted concerning messages on social media the day before the shooting, including warnings about going “berserk.” Such digital breadcrumbs have become increasingly common in cases of targeted violence, raising questions about threat assessment and intervention protocols.
Black’s actions represent the kind of courage that emerges in moments of crisis when ordinary citizens must make extraordinary choices. His decision to engage the shooter rather than simply flee may have saved additional lives, though the cost to the victims and their families remains immeasurable.
The incident adds to a troubling pattern of violence intruding into spaces traditionally considered safe havens for American families. School sporting events, shopping centers, houses of worship, and other community gathering places have increasingly become scenes of tragedy in recent years.
As the investigation continues, authorities will likely examine what could have been done to prevent this attack, particularly given the apparent warning signs posted online. The community of Pawtucket now joins the long list of American towns forever marked by sudden violence, left to mourn victims and grapple with questions that have no easy answers.
The facts of this case are clear and devastating. What remains is the difficult work of understanding how such tragedies can be prevented and ensuring that those who act with courage in the face of danger receive proper recognition for their selfless actions.
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