In the midst of chaos during a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, one man’s brave actions stood out. Michael Black, who was there to support a friend’s son, quickly shifted from spectator to hero when gunfire erupted in the arena.
Initially, Black mistook the first two gunshots for the sound of popping balloons. But as the reality set in, he realized the situation was far more dangerous. Speaking to WCVB 5, Black recounted the moment of realization, saying, “I heard another popping and recognized it was not a balloon.”
Upon understanding the threat, Black’s instincts kicked in. He urgently told his wife and a friend to flee the scene, ensuring their safety before he took action. Standing on the bleachers, he courageously lunged toward the shooter, determined to neutralize the threat.
“I just grabbed, went for the gun and I got my hand caught,” Black described, illustrating the tense encounter. His quick thinking and bravery likely prevented further tragedy that day.
Outside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, police and emergency vehicles quickly assembled in response to the incident that unfolded on February 16, 2026. A drone photograph captured the scene, marking the site of an event that could have been far more devastating if not for the actions of individuals like Michael Black. (Photo credit: CJ Gunther/Reuters)
“I just grabbed, went for the gun and I got my hand caught,” he said.
Black explained that his left hand became lodged in the chamber of the weapon, preventing it from firing again as other bystanders rushed in to help restrain the individual.
“They’re trying to tackle him. And then he fell down, and he fell right towards me. So he was on his back,” Black said.
During the struggle, additional loaded magazines fell from the suspect. He added that the suspect pulled out a second firearm and turned it on himself.
A split image shows Robert Dorgan, identified by police as the suspect in the shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and Rhonda Dorgan with her son, Aidan Dorgan, in a graduation photo. Authorities said Rhonda and Aidan were killed in the attack. (Roberta Esposito via Facebook; Rhonda Dorgan via Facebook)
Black later handed one of the guns to responding officers and praised emergency crews and hospital staff who treated the injuries to his hand. He said he was also burned on the face by a shell casing ejected during the initial gunfire.
Police identified the suspected shooter during a Tuesday press conference as Robert Dorgan, 56, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito.
Authorities said Dorgan fatally shot his ex-wife, Rhonda and their adult son, Aidan, who later died after being transported to the hospital.
Three others — Linda and Gerald Dorgan, Rhonda’s parents, and family friend Thomas Geruso — were hospitalized in critical condition.
Police stand outside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena after a shooting in Pawtucket, R.I., on Feb. 16, 2026. (CJ Gunther/Reuters)
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves described Black as a “good Samaritan,” saying his intervention likely helped stop the violence.
“A good Samaritan stepped in and interjected in the scene, and that’s probably what led to a swift end of this tragic event,” Goncalves said, according to WCVB 5.
Black, however, rejected being labeled a hero.
“That’s not the right definition for me,” he said. “There’s heroes in my life, and I would definitely not put that definition towards myself.”
