Hero bystander tackles trans shooter at Rhode Island ice rink

Michael Black recounts grabbing shooter's gun to stop attack that killed 2 and wounded 3

Feb. 20, 2026 at 9:31pm

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A bystander named Michael Black tackled and disarmed the shooter, Robert Dorgan, after Dorgan opened fire on his own family members during a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Black had to get stitches on his hand from grabbing the gun, but his actions are credited with saving lives.

Why it matters

The shooting at the ice rink highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in the U.S., as well as the complex dynamics of family-related attacks. The heroic actions of the bystander also demonstrate how ordinary people can intervene to stop such tragedies.

The details

According to reports, Dorgan, a 56-year-old transgender individual who also went by the name Roberta Esposito, opened fire on his own son, ex-wife, and other family members during a high school hockey game. Bystander Michael Black, who was at the game to support a friend's son, heard the gunshots and saw Dorgan shooting. Black then jumped up, grabbed Dorgan's gun, and stuck his hand in the chamber to prevent it from firing again. Other bystanders helped restrain Dorgan until he pulled out a second gun and fatally shot himself.

  • The shooting occurred on Monday afternoon at the Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
  • Black had to get 9 stitches in his hand from grabbing Dorgan's gun.

The players

Michael Black

A bystander at the hockey game who tackled and disarmed the shooter, Robert Dorgan, despite having no formal law enforcement training.

Robert Dorgan

A 56-year-old transgender individual, also known as Roberta Esposito, who opened fire on his own family members at the hockey game before turning the gun on himself.

Rhonda Dorgan

Dorgan's ex-wife, who was killed in the shooting.

Aidan Dorgan

Dorgan's 23-year-old son, who was also killed in the shooting.

Linda and Gerald Dorgan

Rhonda's parents, who were wounded in the attack.

Thomas Geruso

A family friend who was also wounded in the shooting.

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What they’re saying

“I heard two shots, and I said, 'balloons popping.' I heard another popping and recognized it was not a balloon.”

— Michael Black, Bystander

“I hesitated for about a second, you'll see that on the video... because I was looking at him and as soon as the people cleared is when I got up on the next step and jumped. I just grabbed, went for the gun and I got my hand caught.”

— Michael Black, Bystander

“They're trying to tackle him. And then he fell down, and he fell right towards me. So he was on his back.”

— Michael Black, Bystander

What’s next

The Pawtucket Police Department is continuing to investigate the shooting and the motive behind Dorgan's attack on his own family members.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for greater awareness and support around mental health issues, as well as the importance of bystander intervention in stopping active shooter situations. The heroic actions of Michael Black likely saved additional lives, but the loss of two family members is a devastating outcome.