Boston police officer who was shot in the face is in stable condition

The Boston Police officer who was shot in the face from point blank range on Friday is in stable condition.

Officer John Moynihan was among several police officers that stopped a vehicle around 6:40 p.m. Friday near Humboldt Avenue and Ruthven Street in Roxbury. Authorities allege Angelo West, a 41-year-old from Boston, exited the vehicle and shot Moynihan, a decorated 6-year veteran of the force, in the face. He is being treated at Boston Medical Center.

Boston Police said Sunday afternoon that Moynihan is listed in “stable and improving condition” and is expected to be moved out of intensive care in coming days.

Moynihan had undergone several hours of surgery since the shooting, according to a statement from Boston Police, and doctors have successfully removed the bullet from his neck.

“I was happy to hear that he made it through surgery without any complications, it shows you what a strong kid he is and what a great medical team they have here at Boston Medical Center,” said Boston Police Commissioner William Evans in a statement.

West, the suspected gunman, was shot dead during an exchange of gunfire with police at the scene. Police have said the shooting was unprovoked, that the officers taking part in the vehicle stop did not have their guns drawn when West left the car. A woman suffered non-life threatening gunshot wounds from the shootout and was taken to BMC.

Moynihan is a veteran of the Iraq War, where he served as a U.S. Army Ranger between 2005 and 2008. He received the Boston Police Department’s Medal of Honor in 2014. That same year, President Barack Obama recognized him with an award for his actions in the Watertown shootout with the Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. Authorities say Moynihan performed “heroic and relentless” life-saving measures on critically wounded MBTA officer Richard Donohue.

Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley said his office is reviewing the incident.

“We fully recognize the importance of transparency in a case like this,” Conley said. “As we have many times before, we’ll provide the community and the media the opportunity to review our findings.”

Evans said earlier this weekend, “All of my officers are praying for his safe recovery. We are all very lucky that he is still with us today.”

Mayor Marty Walsh said through a statement this weekend, “My thoughts and prayers continue to be with Officer John Moynihan, his family, friends, the innocent person caught in the crossfire, and the entire community impacted by Friday night’s violence. I have spoken with Officer Moynihan’s family and Commissioner Evans and I am hopeful that under the experienced and talented team at Boston Medical Center the Officer will continue on a strong path to recovery. It is clear that Officer Moynihan is a hero for our city, and the entire nation, and today we are thankful for all of those who put their lives on the line everyday to protect us.”

Sunday, police and local residents attended a “mass of healing” at St. Patrick’s Church in Roxbury in honor of Moynihan.