2/19/2026 | USA | world | ✓ Verified - pbs.org

When Rhode Island shooter opened fire, bystanders jumped into action to end the carnage

#Rhode Island shooting #Bystander intervention #Hockey arena attack #Active shooter #Courageous citizens #Robert Dorgan #Pawtucket police

📌 Key Takeaways

Bystanders courageously subdued active shooter at Rhode Island hockey arena
Shooter killed family members including ex-wife and son, injuring three others
Police credit bystanders with preventing further casualties
Shooter died by suicide after being subdued by heroic citizens

📖 Full Retelling

Three courageous bystanders intervened during a deadly shooting at a Rhode Island hockey arena on February 19, 2026, subduing the gunman and preventing further casualties before he died by suicide. Michael Black, Robert Rattenni, and Ryan Cordeiro were watching a hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch arena in Pawtucket when they heard what sounded like popping balloons before realizing it was gunfire. Black lunged toward the shooter's handgun, getting his left hand caught in the chamber to jam the weapon, while Dorgan, a former bodybuilder, overpowered him before other bystanders rushed to help, with one seen on video putting the shooter into a chokehold. The shooter, identified as Robert Dorgan, had killed his ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and their 23-year-old son Aidan Dorgan during the attack, while also injuring three others including Rhonda's parents and a family friend who remained in critical condition. Pawtucket police praised the group of 'courageous citizens' for their quick response, stating they 'undoubtedly prevented further injury and increased the chances of survival for the injured' as emergency responders arrived on the scene. Black, a retired printing company owner with no specialized emergency training, explained his motivation was first ensuring his wife's safety and then focusing on the gun to stop the threat, noting that he refused to let the shooter dictate his life or instill fear.

🏷️ Themes

Heroism, Gun violence, Community response

📚 Related People & Topics

Active shooter

Perpetrator of a mass shooting

An active shooter is the perpetrator of an ongoing mass shooting. The term is primarily used to characterize shooters who are targeting victims indiscriminately and at a large scale, who oftentimes, will either commit suicide or intend to be killed by police. More generally, an active perpetrator of...

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Bystander intervention

Type of training in tertiary education

Bystander intervention is a type of training used in post-secondary education institutions to prevent sexual assault or rape, binge drinking and harassment and unwanted comments of racist, homophobic, or transphobic nature. A bystander is a person who is present at an event, party, or other setting ...

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Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

The incident highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in community settings and the crucial role of ordinary citizens in preventing further harm. It also underscores the personal tragedy for the Dorgan family and the broader impact on the local community. The event may influence discussions on gun safety and emergency response training.

Context & Background

Youth hockey game at Dennis M. Lynch arena
Shooter Robert Dorgan, a former bodybuilder with a complex personal history
Bystanders intervened and the shooter died by self-inflicted gunshot

What Happens Next

Police are continuing the investigation and will release more details as evidence is reviewed. The families are receiving support and may pursue legal action. The community is organizing memorials and discussions on gun safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the shooter?

The shooter was Robert Dorgan, a former bodybuilder who had a history of personal and legal issues.

What happened to the victims?

Dorgan's ex-wife, son, and several others were shot; some died and others were injured, with many receiving medical treatment.

How did the bystanders intervene?

Bystanders like Michael Black and others tackled the shooter, disabled his gun, and helped subdue him until police arrived.

Original Source

              By — Michael Casey, Associated Press Michael Casey, Associated Press By — Kimberlee Kruesi, Associated Press Kimberlee Kruesi, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter When Rhode Island shooter opened fire, bystanders jumped into action to end the carnage Nation Feb 19, 2026 6:56 PM EST PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Sitting in the stands at a hockey game, Michael Black heard what he thought was popping balloons before quickly realizing it was gunfire. As dozens of people rushed out of the Rhode Island arena, Black told his wife to "run, run" and then lunged toward the shooter's handgun. Black managed to get his left hand caught in the chamber of Robert Dorgan's gun, jamming it and then briefly attempted to hold Dorgan down. But Dorgan, a former bodybuilder, hoisted Black into the air before at least two other bystanders rushed over to subdue the shooter. One of them could be seen on video putting Dorgan into a choke hold. READ MORE: Deadly shooting at Rhode Island youth hockey game was 'targeted event,' authorities say Dorgan fell to the ground, with the 58-year-old Black on top of him. The shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot after pulling out a second gun as the two locked eyes. Black never heard Dorgan say a word. "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," said Black, who ran a printing company until he retired in 2021 and has no specialized emergency response training. "Get the gun and then subdue the shooter." Pawtucket police have said the shooter behind the deadly ice rink tragedy on Monday was Robert Dorgan, who also went by Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano. Dorgan's ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and adult son Aidan Dorgan were killed in the shooting, and three others were injured: Rhonda Dorgan's parents, Linda and Gerald Dorgan; and a family friend, Thomas Geruso, all of whom ...
            

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