A seemingly ordinary afternoon at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, quickly turned into a life-altering moment. Families had gathered for a youth hockey game, expecting cheers and friendly competition. Instead, within seconds, confusion erupted into panic as gunfire rang out in the stands. One eyewitness is now recounting the split-second decisions that unfolded, including his instinctive move to confront the shooter to prevent further tragedy.
Michael Black was seated in the bleachers just before 3 p.m. on February 16, 2026, when he first heard popping noises. Initially, he thought they were balloons or celebratory sounds following a goal. But as the noise continued, he realized it was gunfire. Spotting a firearm aimed at nearby spectators, he told his wife to run and instinctively moved toward the danger. Positioned a few steps above the gunman, Black lunged forward and grabbed the weapon. During the struggle, his hand got caught near the chamber, which caused the firearm to discharge and jam, preventing more shots. Other bystanders joined in to restrain the shooter.
For a brief moment, it seemed the threat was contained. But the gunman then retrieved a second firearm from his jacket. Before further action could be taken, authorities report that the shooter turned the weapon on himself. Law enforcement and emergency responders quickly secured the scene. Black, who sustained a hand injury and minor facial burns, later handed over the first firearm he had wrestled away. He has downplayed any notion of heroism, saying he simply acted to protect others.
Police later identified the shooter as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, also known as Roberta Esposito. Authorities confirmed that two people were killed, three others injured, and the suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot. Officials characterized the incident as domestic, with the victims being members of the shooter’s own family. Community leaders and advocacy groups have since highlighted the far-reaching consequences of family violence, especially when it spills into public spaces. Witnesses say the events underscore how quickly an ordinary day can turn tragic — and how, in moments of crisis, ordinary people can take extraordinary action.