Chaos at a Hockey Game: A Survivor’s Story
At a recent hockey game in Rhode Island, Michael Black experienced a nightmare. From the stands, he heard what he first thought were balloons popping. It quickly became clear: it was gunfire. When chaos erupted, Black urged his wife to run and bravely confronted the shooter, Robert Dorgan.
Black caught his hand in Dorgan’s gun, jamming it. Although Dorgan was strong, two other bystanders quickly joined the struggle. Together, they managed to subdue Dorgan, who then aimed a second gun at himself.
Reflecting on the incident, Black shared, “My immediate thought was to protect my wife. When the shots started, all I could focus on was the gun.” Despite being a retired businessman with no emergency training, his instincts kicked in.
Sadly, Dorgan’s family faced tragedy too. His ex-wife, Rhonda, and their son, Aidan, were killed. Three other family members were critically injured.
The Impact of Bystanders
Black wasn’t alone in his efforts. Alongside him were Robert Rattenni and Ryan Cordeiro, who aided in subduing Dorgan. Two retired firefighters, Chris Librizzi and Glenn Narodowy, along with nurse Maryann Rattenni, provided urgent care to the injured. Pawtucket police praised these “courageous citizens,” noting that their quick actions likely saved lives.
Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, Dorgan’s stepdaughter, believes Black’s bravery kept her from harm. After the event, a detective informed Black that one of Dorgan’s daughters wanted to express her gratitude to him.
Questions Unanswered
The motivations behind Dorgan’s violent act remain unclear. He often visited the Dennis M. Lynch arena, a place where his family played hockey. On that fateful day, he was there to watch Aidan’s little brother’s game.
Dorgan had histories in court suggesting underlying issues, including gender identity matters. These facts fueled public curiosity about him but are not part of the ongoing investigation.
In the aftermath, as blood covered the rink, quick police response was essential. Black recalls reuniting with his wife outside under tense circumstances. “When she grabbed me, I knew she was relieved but also worried,” he said. Their emotional reunion highlighted the chaos of the day.
A Hero’s Reflection
Despite being hailed as a hero, Black feels conflicted. “I didn’t feel like a hero at that moment,” he said. Instead, he found himself grieving for the victims.
In the days following the shooting, Black pondered how to move forward. He initially canceled a family trip but decided he wouldn’t let fear dictate his life. “I won’t let this shooter control my actions,” he affirmed.
Tragic events like this one highlight the urgent need for community vigilance and swift action. According to recent studies, nearly 45% of Americans report feeling unsafe in public spaces due to gun violence (Pew Research Center, 2021). Situations like Black’s serve as reminders that ordinary people can sometimes make a meaningful difference, even in dark times.
Black’s story demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit. As he moves forward, he encourages others to stay strong and keep their loved ones close.
