Hero Hockey Fan Saves Lives by Jamming Shooter's Gun
Michael Black's split-second courage at Rhode Island ice rink prevented further tragedy
In a moment that transformed an ordinary family outing into an extraordinary act of heroism, 58-year-old Michael Black helped save countless lives by physically stopping a gunman at a Rhode Island hockey rink.
The dramatic incident unfolded Monday afternoon during a high school hockey game in Pawtucket when Black heard gunshots ring out just after 2:30 p.m. What happened next showcased the remarkable power of human courage under pressure.
"My wife and I were there just to enjoy the family day," Black told reporters. "I was watching the games, looking to my left, and in front of me, you heard a bang, bang."
As chaos erupted around the ice rink with nearly a dozen gunshots fired and fans scrambling for cover, Black made a life-saving decision. "As soon as she [his wife] cleared my sight, is when I stood up on the bleachers and I jumped towards the shooter," Black recounted.
In an incredible display of quick thinking and bravery, Black jammed the gunman's weapon with his hand, literally preventing it from firing again. "I saw panic on his face," Black described, noting how his finger became lodged in the gun's chamber—a painful but crucial intervention that likely saved multiple lives.
The 56-year-old suspect, identified as Robert Dorgan, had already killed his ex-wife and adult son before Black's heroic intervention prevented further tragedy. When the gunman reached for a second firearm, Black and other good Samaritans worked together to subdue him completely.
Black's actions, captured on video, demonstrate how ordinary citizens can make extraordinary differences in crisis situations. His willingness to put himself in harm's way to protect others—including families and children at what should have been a peaceful sporting event—exemplifies the best of human nature.
The incident serves as a powerful reminder that heroes walk among us every day. Black's split-second decision to act rather than flee turned a potential mass casualty event into a story of human resilience and courage. His actions not only saved lives but also showed how individual bravery can triumph over violence.
While the tragedy claimed two lives, Black's intervention ensured that many more families went home safely that day. His courage under fire stands as a beacon of hope, proving that even in our darkest moments, human compassion and bravery can prevail.
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