Man Rushes Shooter at Rhode Island Ice Rink

Good Samaritan Michael Black describes taking action to stop deadly attack.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 4:31pm

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A man named Michael Black recounted how he rushed towards an active shooter at a high school hockey match in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in an effort to stop the attack. The shooting left two people dead, but Black's actions are credited with preventing further loss of life.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the bravery of ordinary citizens who take action to intervene in active shooter situations, even at great personal risk. Black's actions are being praised by local officials for potentially saving additional lives.

The details

Authorities said the shooter, 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, killed his ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and their adult son Aiden Dorgan at the ice rink. Black said he was watching the games when he heard gunshots and saw Dorgan pull a gun. Black then rushed towards Dorgan, getting his finger stuck in the gun's chamber to prevent it from firing again. Dorgan then reached for a second firearm, but used it to take his own life.

  • The shooting occurred around 2:30 pm on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • Black said he looked up at the clock and it was 10 minutes and 12 seconds when the chaos erupted.

The players

Michael Black

A good Samaritan who rushed towards the shooter in an effort to stop the attack.

Robert Dorgan

The 56-year-old shooter who killed his ex-wife and adult son before taking his own life.

Rhonda Dorgan

The ex-wife of the shooter who was killed in the attack.

Aiden Dorgan

The adult son of the shooter who was also killed in the attack.

Donald Grebien

The mayor of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, who praised the courage of the good Samaritans who intervened.

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What they’re saying

“I remember looking up at the clock and it was 10 minutes and 12 seconds.”

— Michael Black

“As the gun extended and my wife went, running, and as soon as she cleared my sight. Is when I stood up on the bleachers and I jumped towards the shooter.”

— Michael Black

“The courage not only prevented further loss and injury, and we thank them for that.”

— Donald Grebien, Mayor of Pawtucket

What’s next

Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the motive and any warning signs that may have been missed.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the bravery of ordinary citizens who are willing to put themselves at risk to protect others in active shooter situations. Black's actions likely saved additional lives, and his story highlights the importance of community members being prepared to respond in emergencies.