A deadly shooting occurred at an ice arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on March 11, 2024, where a quick-thinking spectator intervened and prevented further tragedy. During a senior night hockey game, Michael Black, who was present with family and friends, confronted the shooter, later identified as Robert Dorgan, and attempted to disarm him.
As the first period was winding down, Black heard what he initially thought were balloons popping. “I heard a pop, pop. And I thought they were balloons, I thought they were big balloons,” Black recounted. However, he quickly realized the seriousness of the situation as he spotted a pistol aimed at spectators.
Immediate Action to Save Lives
Upon seeing the weapon, Black took immediate action. “I just said ‘run, run,’” he recalled, urging his wife and their friends to flee the scene. Without hesitation, Black assessed the surroundings and leaped from the third level of the bleachers, aiming to disarm Dorgan. “I jumped across and went for the gun,” he said, explaining that he aimed to grab the weapon before it could be used again.
While wrestling with the shooter, Black’s hand became lodged in the gun’s chamber, preventing Dorgan from firing. “He shot, and my hand got caught, and I was holding him down with my body,” Black said. The struggle drew in other spectators who assisted in restraining Dorgan, ensuring he could not continue his assault.
As the chaos unfolded, Dorgan fell beneath Black, allowing them to exchange glances. “Literally, I’m looking down and he’s looking up,” Black described. Just as Black prepared to subdue Dorgan further, the shooter produced a second firearm and turned it on himself.
Reflections on Heroism and Community
Despite his life-saving actions, Black expressed humility, stating he did not view himself as a hero. “When I saw what the police did, fire, paramedics, at the hospital last night, I have such a high-level appreciation of what they do every day,” he acknowledged. Black emphasized the importance of recognizing the first responders who routinely risk their lives to protect others.
A phone call from a Pawtucket detective altered Black’s perspective. The detective shared details from an interview with the shooter’s daughter, who recounted her fear as Dorgan targeted individuals in the arena. She noted that without Black’s intervention, she believed she would have been next. “That changed my perspective a little bit of appreciating that, you know, I kind of changed,” Black reflected.
The incident at the ice arena not only showcased the courage of individuals like Michael Black but also highlighted the community’s resilience in the face of violence. As investigations continue, the focus remains on healing and honoring those who acted bravely to protect others during a harrowing event.
