Senior Night Turns to Horror (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Pawtucket, Rhode Island – A father’s deadly attack on his family during a high school hockey game ended abruptly when a bystander seized the shooter’s weapon amid chaos in the stands.[1][2]
Senior Night Turns to Horror
The incident unfolded just before 3 p.m. on Monday, February 17, at Dennis M. Lynch Arena during senior night for the Blackstone Valley Schools cooperative hockey team against the Coventry-Johnston co-op.[3] Spectators filled the stands for what promised to be a celebratory match featuring local high school players, including a North Providence senior.
Robert Dorgan, 56 and the father of one player, entered the arena after leaving briefly during the game. He opened fire, targeting family members seated nearby. The assault claimed two lives immediately and left three others in critical condition.[4]
Heroic Struggle in the Stands
Michael Black, 58, from North Smithfield, sat with his wife and friends to cheer on a friend’s son. He first mistook the initial shots for balloons popping but recognized the danger on the third report.[1]
“All I saw was this person had a gun pointed at the people in the second row,” Black recounted. “I didn’t even look at my wife. I said, ‘Run, run.’”[1] He lunged from the bleachers, grabbing the Glock 10mm pistol. His left hand caught in the slide, jamming the mechanism and preventing further shots as they wrestled.[2]
Other bystanders piled on, attempting to tackle and choke Dorgan. As the struggle intensified, Dorgan pulled a second firearm, a SIG Sauer P226, from his jacket. With a “scared look,” he placed it in his mouth and fired, killing himself.[1] Black sustained a hand injury requiring stitches and a burn on his lip from an ejected shell casing.
- Initial shots fired; Black mistakes for balloons.
- Black yells for others to flee and grabs gun.
- Hand jams weapon; bystanders assist in tackle.
- Dorgan draws second gun and ends his life.
- Police arrive; investigation begins.
Family Devastated in Targeted Attack
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves identified the victims as Rhonda Dorgan, 52, the shooter’s ex-wife who died at the scene, and their son Aidan Dorgan, 23, who succumbed at Rhode Island Hospital.[4] Three others – Rhonda’s parents and a family friend – suffered critical wounds.
Goncalves described the shooting as a targeted family dispute with no prior signs of violence at the rink. Dorgan had attended past games without incident. “The intervention of bystanders most likely saved lives,” she stated.[1]
| Individual | Status | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| Robert Dorgan | Deceased (self-inflicted) | Shooter |
| Rhonda Dorgan | Deceased | Ex-wife |
| Aidan Dorgan | Deceased | Son |
| Two others | Critical | Ex-wife’s parents |
| Family friend | Critical | Associate |
Community Response and Ongoing Probe
Over 100 witnesses provided statements, and police reviewed video footage. Goncalves urged respect for the surviving family, asking the public to avoid sharing graphic social media posts that retraumatize them.[4]
Governor Dan McKee and Mayor Don Grebien expressed grief, with mental health support offered to students and families. Dorgan’s daughter described him as having severe mental health issues.[3] Search warrants executed as investigators probe the motive, linked to a 2020 divorce filing.
Key Takeaways
- Bystanders’ actions likely prevented further deaths during the packed game.[2]
- The attack stemmed from a family dispute, with legally obtained firearms used.
- Police emphasize community resilience amid the tragedy.
This shocking turn at a family-oriented event underscores the unpredictability of violence, yet highlights ordinary people stepping into extraordinary roles. Pawtucket begins healing, bolstered by swift heroism. What do you think about the bystanders’ courage? Tell us in the comments.