Rhode Island Hockey Game: Man Tackles Shooter, Saves Lives

A high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, turned tragic on Monday when a shooting unfolded at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena. Robert Dorgan, 56, fatally shot their ex-wife and adult son before taking their own life, according to police. Three other individuals – the ex-wife’s parents and a family friend – were critically wounded during the incident.

A Moment of Celebration Interrupted

The game was a “senior night” event, a celebration for the Blackstone Valley Schools cooperative team as they faced off against Coventry-Johnston. Both teams are comprised of players from multiple schools, making the event a community gathering. According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, there was “no expectation or any indication that there was going to be any type of violence.”

Heroic Intervention

Michael Black, 58, of North Smithfield, was in attendance with his wife and friends, watching the game when he first heard what he believed were popping sounds. He quickly realized the sounds were gunshots and saw an individual pointing a gun toward people in the second row. Black immediately told his wife to run.

Did You Know? Robert Dorgan had attended other youth hockey games in the past and their presence at games was not unusual.

Black acted decisively, lunging at the shooter. His hand became caught on the weapon’s slide, preventing it from firing. He found himself on top of Dorgan as others joined in subduing the shooter. “He was trying to press the trigger, and the gun wasn’t working because my hand was in the way,” Black stated.

A Second Weapon and a Tragic End

Dorgan then retrieved a second handgun, identical to the first, from a jacket. Black described Dorgan as appearing “scared.” Dorgan then used the second weapon to end their own life, shooting themself in the mouth, according to Black and police.

Expert Insight: The swift actions of bystanders, as highlighted by Pawtucket Police Chief Goncalves, likely prevented further casualties in a situation that rapidly escalated from a celebratory event to a scene of violence.

The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation. Authorities are currently executing search warrants to gather more information.

Aftermath and Resilience

Black expressed gratitude for the support he’s received from friends in law enforcement and the fire department, acknowledging the emotional recovery process will take time. Despite the trauma, he remains committed to a planned college visit with his son. “This guy has disrupted so many lives…that I made the decision he’s not going to disrupt mine,” he said.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened at the hockey game?

Robert Dorgan fatally shot their ex-wife and adult son before taking their own life during a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Three other people were critically wounded.

Who intervened during the shooting?

Michael Black, along with other bystanders, intervened and attempted to subdue the shooter, Robert Dorgan. Black’s actions prevented the shooter’s first weapon from firing.

What is the status of the investigation?

The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, and police are executing search warrants to gather more information.

How do communities begin to heal after such a shocking act of violence?