91-year-old veteran robbed at gunpoint in New York City apartment

Lucy Yang Image
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
91-year-old veteran robbed at gunpoint in NYC apartment
Walter White, a 91-year-old Korean War veteran, was robbed at gunpoint in his own apartment in Harlem on Edgecombe Avenue.

HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) -- An elderly veteran who served in the Korean War is speaking out after he became the victim of a terrifying armed robbery in his own home.

Walter White spent five years with the 82nd Airborne serving his country during the war.

The 91-year-old has jumped out of a plane 33 times, but this weekend, he found himself looking at the wrong end of a gun.

"Almost take your breath from you, thinking if he's going to pull that trigger or not," White said.

It happened Saturday morning on Edgecombe Avenue in Harlem.

White had just finished taking a shower when he answered a knock on his door. He thought it was the super responding to a leak. Instead, an armed gunman walked in and demanded his cash.

"He said 'I heard you have a lot of money,'" White said. "I said 'What? Money?' I said come on."

The heartless criminal swiped the victim's cellphone and more than $250 meant for White's niece.

Police believe a second man kept watch outside.

"This was the first time I was robbed in my life," White said.

White moved into the apartment about two weeks ago and was sleeping on the floor on top of his duffel bags.

Thankfully, someone has since gifted the veteran a bed.

The victim said he has no anger against the robber, instead, he has prayed for him - twice.

He said he has prayed that God would turn his life around before he gets hurt.

Neighbors said White is a very nice man and they feel bad for him.

White has survived a war, racism in the South and a terrible work accident which left a scar snaking up his arm.

And now, the man of faith has survived an armed robbery - without any injuries or lingering malice.

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