Bystanders Subdue Shooter at Rhode Island Hockey Game

Courageous citizens rushed to intervene, preventing further injury and loss of life.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A shooting at a hockey game in Providence, Rhode Island left two people dead and three others critically injured. As the shooter, identified as Robert Dorgan, opened fire, several bystanders sprang into action to stop the attack. Michael Black, Robert Rattenni, and Ryan Cordeiro were able to subdue Dorgan, with Black even getting his hand caught in the gun's chamber to jam it. Tragically, Dorgan's ex-wife and adult son were killed in the shooting.

Why it matters

The quick actions of these bystanders likely prevented an even more devastating tragedy, highlighting the importance of civic engagement and the willingness of ordinary people to put themselves at risk to protect their community. However, the shooting also raises questions about gun violence, mental health, and domestic disputes turning deadly.

The details

According to police, the shooter, Robert Dorgan, opened fire during a hockey game at a Rhode Island arena. As dozens of people rushed to exit, Michael Black lunged at Dorgan's handgun, getting his hand caught in the chamber and briefly attempting to hold Dorgan down. Two other bystanders, Robert Rattenni and Ryan Cordeiro, then rushed to subdue Dorgan, with one putting him in a choke hold. Dorgan then pulled out a second gun and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Tragically, Dorgan's ex-wife Rhonda and adult son Aidan were killed in the shooting, and three others were critically injured.

  • The shooting occurred on Monday at a hockey game in Providence, Rhode Island.
  • As of Wednesday, the three injured victims remained in critical condition.

The players

Michael Black

A bystander who lunged at the shooter's handgun, getting his hand caught in the chamber and briefly attempting to hold the shooter down.

Robert Rattenni

One of the bystanders who rushed to subdue the shooter after Black's initial intervention.

Ryan Cordeiro

One of the bystanders who rushed to subdue the shooter after Black's initial intervention.

Robert Dorgan

The shooter, who also went by the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano, and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the bystanders intervened.

Rhonda Dorgan

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

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What they’re saying

“The first thought was the safety of my wife. And the second thought was, because the bullets were coming out, was to focus in on the gun. Get the gun and then subdue the shooter.”

— Michael Black (wbal.com)

“I look at it as being fortunate, saddened tremendously in the loss, but fortunate that a small group of people could make a difference.”

— Michael Black (wbal.com)

What’s next

Authorities have not directly stated whether Dorgan was transgender, but court records indicate that gender identity was a factor in the divorce from his wife in 2020. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the bravery of ordinary citizens who put themselves at risk to protect their community, as well as the devastating impact of gun violence and domestic disputes. It underscores the need for continued efforts to address mental health, domestic violence, and access to firearms to prevent such senseless loss of life.