These two men shot a police officer in the head and left him paralyzed and fighting for his life on a ventilator. However, as soon as they arrived for their court hearing, they were greeted with the perfect surprise they never saw coming.

**Note: This story was originally published in July 2016.**

Two men in Atlantic City got a harsh reality check when they appeared in court to face charges for attempting to kill a police officer—only to find the courtroom packed with officers supporting their injured colleague.

During a robbery near Caesars casino, a shootout broke out between police and suspects. One suspect, Jerome Damon, 25, was killed, and Officer Josh Vadell, 29, was critically injured but later stabilized.

New Jersey PBA President Patrick Colligan called for prayers and praised the determination to bring the suspects to justice. In court, the accused—Demitrius Cross and Martel Chisolm—were met with a strong show of police solidarity.

Vadell’s wife shared a hopeful update on Facebook, saying he was off the ventilator and slowly regaining movement. The story went viral, with the public applauding the officers’ unity and calling for justice.