A Uniondale congregation prayed Sunday for a gang-member-turned-activist who is in a coma after he was gunned down Saturday.

Police say 24-year-old Hykiem Coney was shot twice in the early morning hours after leaving a Hempstead Turnpike bar. Authorities say an argument may have sparked the incident, but they are not sure whether Coney was involved in the disagreement. Investigators do not believe Coney?s previous gang affiliation was a factor, but they are looking into whether his current anti-gang stance had anything to do with the shooting.

Bishop Raymond Mackey says he met Coney two years ago after the victim?s best friend was killed. Mackey, who leads the Tabernacle of Joy Church, says Coney turned his life around and affectionately called him Pops. Relatives say Coney inspired other gang members to leave the street life.