Community Turns Out in Droves at Funeral for Librarian Killed in Accidental Police Shooting
The woman's family has forgiven the officer, who thought he was shooting blanks.
A Florida community came out in force for a beloved librarian who was accidentally shot and killed during a police safety demonstration last week.
The grief was palpable at the funeral for 73-year-old Mary Knowlton in Punta Gorda.
Her son, Steve, paid tribute to his mom at the First United Methodist Church Tuesday afternoon.
"I think about my mom and I think about how she made everyone she ever encountered feel like number 1," he said.
Knowlton was shot and killed during a safety demonstration by a police officer who thought he was firing blanks.
Officer Lee Coel has been suspended while the investigation continues.
Read: Woman, 73, Shot Dead By Police Officer During Gun Demonstration
The family is said to have forgiven Coel for his actions.
Her husband, Gary, told NBC in a statement: “We're gonna get through this and try to make the best of it and go on with a positive attitude and care about people.”
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