Father Confronts Gunman During Deadly Hockey Game Shooting in Pawtucket
A Rhode Island father who intervened to confront a transgender gunman during a deadly shooting at a high school hockey game has stated he does not consider himself a hero. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon at the David M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, where gunman Robert Dorgan, 56, who also went by 'Roberta Esposito', opened fire, killing his son and ex-wife.
Swift Action Prevents Further Tragedy
Michael Black was attending the hockey match when he heard popping noises initially mistaken for balloons. Realising the danger, he instructed his wife and friends to flee before leaping over seats to tackle Dorgan. Black managed to grab the pistol, with his hand becoming caught in the sliding chamber, preventing the gunman from firing additional shots.
Shocking footage from the event shows Dorgan walking slowly through the bleachers before firing approximately a dozen rounds. He was seen raising his arm and shooting a victim in the back before being grabbed from behind by a brave witness attempting to detain him as others fled the chaotic scene.
Police Praise Life-Saving Intervention
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves stated that the good Samaritan's quick response likely saved lives and brought the attack to a swift conclusion. The shooting resulted in the deaths of 23-year-old Aidan Dorgan and his mother, Rhonda, 52. Additionally, Dorgan's ex-wife's parents and a family friend were critically injured before the gunman took his own life with a second pistol.
Black sustained a hand injury and facial burn from an ejected shell casing during the struggle. He was treated at a local hospital, where an emotional moment with a nurse helped him feel 'human again'. Despite being hailed for his actions, Black emphasised his admiration for first responders, stating, 'These should be our heroes.'
Family Dispute and Disturbing Background
Police Chief Goncalves indicated the shooting stemmed from a family dispute. Court records reveal Dorgan's gender identity had been a contentious issue within the family. Rhonda cited his 'gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic and personality disorder traits' as grounds for divorce in 2020, though this was later replaced with 'irreconcilable differences'. Their divorce was finalised in 2021.
Following his surgery in early 2020, Dorgan claimed his father-in-law threatened to have him murdered by an Asian street gang if he did not leave the residence, allegedly stating, 'There's no goddam way a tranny is going to stay in my house.' The father-in-law faced charges that were later dismissed by prosecutors.
Antisemitic and Racist Rhetoric
In recent years, Dorgan propagated antisemitic and racist rhetoric on social media, expressing support for 'white power'. He displayed a Nazi-inspired tattoo and posted an anti-Asian slur in response to a video praising Adolf Hitler just one day before the shooting. That same day, he also threatened to go 'BESERK'.
The shooting occurred during a 'Senior Night' match between two high school co-op teams. Livestreamed footage captured players racing across the ice to escape as gunshots echoed through the rink. Colin Dorgan, 17, the captain of the Blackstone Valley Schools' hockey team and wearing his No. 17 jersey, was competing on the ice just feet away. He was seen skating backwards before abruptly turning towards the gunfire and rushing off the ice.
Aftermath and Emotional Responses
Hours after the shooting, a woman claiming to be Dorgan's daughter stated he had mental health issues, urging others to trust their gut if they suspect a loved one is unwell. Her identity could not be confirmed by the Daily Mail. Black recounted a phone call from a Pawtucket police officer who shared that a daughter of the shooter believed she would have been next if not for Black's intervention.
The motive remains unclear, but the tragedy has left the community in shock. Black's decisive actions amidst the chaos highlight the bravery displayed during the horrific event, though he humbly deflects the hero label, focusing instead on the everyday courage of emergency personnel.
