GOP Rep. Pete King mourned the death Tuesday of a hero New York Police Department officer who famously forgave the teenage gunman who left him paralyzed in 1986.
"Steven McDonald was a truly outstanding man of unsurpassed courage and dignity," the New York lawmaker said in a statement.
"Despite being so tragically wounded and paralyzed, I never once heard Steven complain or show self pity. He was a man of deep religious faith, a true American patriot and the personification of the NYPD at its very best. I was proud to call him a friend."
McDonald, who died of a heart attack at 59, was working an undercover patrol in Central Park, investigating a rash of bicycle robberies, when he chased three suspects July 12, 1986. One pulled out a "Saturday night special" revolver and blasted McDonald with a bullet that left him a quadriplegic.
"I feel sorry for him," McDonald later said, per the New York Post. "I forgive him and hope that he can find peace and purpose in his life."
McDonald returned to on active duty despite his devastating injury, serving as a goodwill ambassador for the NYPD who attended events, gave speeches and counseled troubled youth.
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