Police say a 42-year-old man who was a relative to a city official was found fatally shot in Bridgeport early Sunday morning.
Michael Harrigan, of Noble Avenue and a cousin to Bridgeport City Councilman Marcus Brown, was found dead in his car just before 5 a.m. across from 64 Black Rock Ave.
Brown said he and Harrigan were raised in the same house as brothers.
"I just wanted to thank everybody for their outpouring of support, condolences and prayers for my family at this time due to the random act of violence against Mikey -- Michael Harrigan," Brown said.
A portion of an adjoining parking lot was cordoned off by crime scene tape with police posted along the perimeter as authorities investigated the homicide.
"It's a sad day in the city of Bridgeport, wake up Sunday morning to hear and find out that another young man lost his life," said Jorge Cruz, of the Bridgeport City Council.
"This gun killing of Michael Harrigan reminds us on the ninth anniversary of Sandy Hook that this nation is still awash in guns," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal. He added that every member of Congress is accountable to Harrigan's family for the fatal shooting. "And the federal government has to act. Congress has been complicit in the scourge of gun violence."
People came out to support the victim's family forming a prayer circle with their hands and hearts joined together just a few feet from a very active crime scene.
"Young man lost his life," said family friend Tony Barr, who added that enough is enough. "We can't keep saying the same old things like, 'it's OK, or we're going to work on it.'"
Brown hopes that whoever is responsible will answer to authorities in the death of his cousin.
"He was a good man, a good father -- a humble, humble man -- and we will be demanding justice for our family in order to heal properly," Brown said.
Anyone with information is being asked to call (203) 576-TIPS or to contact Det. Heanue at (203) 581-5242