Hero bystander 'saved lives' after tackling gunman who opened fire on wife and three children at ice hockey game
A bystander heroically disarmed the shooter who killed their ex-wife and adult son in what police are calling a targeted attack during an ice hockey game in Rhode Island on Monday (16 February).
Robert Dorgan, who also used the alias Roberta Esposito, shot and killed ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and adult son Aidan Dorgan, before dying via an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Rhonda's mother, father and family friend were also in a critical condition in hospital. But there possibly could have been more casualties if it weren't for Michael Black.
He was in the stand to support his friend's son, who was skating at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, when Dorgan opened fire at family members.
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As reported by WCVB, Black said he 'heard two shots' and initially thought it was 'balloons popping'.
"I heard another popping and recognized it was not a balloon," he added.
After telling his wife and friend to run to safety, Black threw himself at the shooter.
“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,” he said.
“I just grabbed, went for the gun and I got my hand caught.”
Black lodged his left hand in the weapon’s chamber, which prevented it from being fired again.
Others then jumped in to help restrain Dorgan, as Black recalled: “They’re trying to tackle him. And then he fell down, and he fell right towards me. So he was on his back.”
Dorgan was then able to pull out another gun from their jacket and 'put it his mouth and shot himself', Black told CBS. Police are yet to confirm a motive.
A family statement posted for an online fundraiser said: "Our family has been forever changed by the tragic events at Lynch Arena."
It added: "In addition to this unimaginable loss, their grandparents are currently in critical condition, fighting for their lives."
A woman who told WCVB that her father was the shooter said: "He shot my family, and he's dead now," adding that her dad 'has mental health issues'.
“What should have been a joyful occasion, with dozens of families, students, and supporters gathered to celebrate Senior Night was instead marked by violence and fear,” Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien said in a statement.
“Our prayers go out to the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this devastating incident.”
Anish Vij