NORTH SMITHFIELD – A group of spectators there to support North Smithfield student athletes during a Senior Night hockey game rushed into action to disarm a gunman and help others at Dennis Lynch Arena in Pawtucket Monday night.
Robert and Mary Ann Rattenni, Michael Black and Steve Wowk, all of North Smithfield, were among those to react quickly, each playing a role in tackling the shooter, grabbing his gun, administering medical care and getting players to safety, even as others fled the horrific scene.
The gunman was later identified as 56-year old Robert Dorgan, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito, and was reportedly transgender.
Dorgan, whose son was playing for the North Providence team, shot and killed his ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and their adult son Aidan Dorgan at the event. Rhonda’s parents, Linda and Gerald Dorgan, along with family friend Thomas Geruso were left severely injured following the shooting – with blasts fired through an arena filled with spectators – and remain in critical condition.
The Blackstone Valley Schools team – featuring players from St. Raphael-Providence Country Day, North Providence and North Smithfield – was celebrating senior night at the time and many from the town were in the stands, including both the Rattennis and Black. All were there to show support for a friends’ son, who was playing in the game.
After shots rang out, Robert Rattenni and others ran at the shooter, tackling him to the ground, according to a source at the scene.
Michael Black, a longtime town businessman who founded Nation Marker Company, also played a role, grabbing the gun in effort to stop Dorgan from continuing the rampage. The shooter then pulled out a second gun and turned it on himself, according to interviews held with the good samaritan this week.
A well-known figure in the North Smithfield community, Black was recognized by the Town Council in 2021 for supporting more than 100 different programs and charities over the years. His hand was reportedly injured in the incident.
Robert’s wife Mary Ann, who previously served as assistant clinical manager at Rhode Island Hospital, also sprung into action even as others fled the scene, quickly administering first aid to victims until paramedics arrived, a source told NRI NOW.
Wowk, meanwhile, assistant coach of the co-op team, can be seen in video of the incident first telling players to duck down, and then staying behind and helping to ensure all escape the deadly scene.
Slatersville Congregational Church in North Smithfield held a candlelight vigil honoring the victims Tuesday night.
In an update from the Pawtucket Police Department Wednesday evening, officials also recognized head coach Chris Librizzi and Glenn Narodowy of North Smithfield, both retired Warwick firefighters and EMTs, for providing critical first aid care.
The release also noted that officers worked with Maine State Police to execute search warrants on Dorgan’s home, work locker and storage unit.
“Police seized an electronic device, various ammunition, firearm accessories, and personal identification documents from the apartment,” it noted.
Law enforcement also seized a sawed-off shotgun, an AR-15 style rifle, a handgun frame, various ammunition, firearm accessories, and mail addressed to Dorgan from the storage unit. A Florida firearms carry permit was also recovered from the suspect’s body.
“At this time, we are not aware of any Rhode Island concealed carry permit,” the department noted.
The US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted a trace on the two handguns seized at the arena, and found a recovered Glock 29 was purchased by Dorgan in Jacksonville, Fl. in 2021. Dorgan purchased the second firearm, a Sig Sauer P226 in West Warwick in 2019.
“The Pawtucket Police Department would also like to acknowledge the courageous citizens who intervened during the attack,” the release noted. “Their actions undoubtedly prevented further injury and increased the chances of survival for the injured. They exemplified model citizen behavior and true bravery in the face of danger.”
“Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families during this extremely difficult time.”
Editor’s note: The above article was updated Wednesday evening following a release from the Pawtucket Police Department.
My heart goes out to the young hockey player who lost so many family members who had come out to support him on his special day. What the shooter did was reprehensible, while the brave North Smithfield residents who aided in stopping the violence and adding the victims is beyond admirable. They are the heroes here and I hope their names are long remembered after the shooter’s is forgotten.