Body of fallen Minneapolis police officer brought to New Haven for burial – NBC Connecticut

From Minnesota to Connecticut, people are mourning Officer Jamal Mitchell.

He was killed in the line of duty in Minneapolis.

And on Wednesday, his family brought his body back to New Haven, where he grew up and will be buried.

A ceremonial flight carrying the body of the fallen officer and his family members landed at Bradley International Airport.

“It’s heartbreaking, heartbreaking. Gone too soon,” said Public Safety Commissioner Ronnell Higgins.

Higgins is a relative of Officer Mitchell who grew up in New Haven.

Mitchell died while on duty with the Minneapolis police.

“Jamal answered the call. He moved from Connecticut to Minnesota and then to Minneapolis and wanted to make a change,” Higgins said.

Higgins says Mitchell helped, among other things, save two people.

About two weeks ago, he was trying to help a man who had been shot when a suspect attacked the police officer and shot him.

“We want people to know that we are here for them and are willing to give our lives for someone else. And Officer Mitchell is a great example of that. And while it’s sad, it also makes us very proud,” said Chief Karl Jacobson of the New Haven Police.

From Bradley, police officers from Connecticut and Minnesota traveled in a solemn funeral procession along Interstate 91 South to a funeral home in New Haven.

“On every single bridge and overpass there was a fire department with a flag… It’s just a huge support for Officer Mitchell and his family. As it should be,” Jacobson said.

“I really just wanted to be here to show my respect, you know, and because I appreciate what he gave back,” said Anita Birthwright, a family friend.

We’re told the 36-year-old attended Wilbur Cross High School and that his mother wanted him buried in the town where his family has deep roots.

Many remember him and his sacrifice.

“As a hero, as a family man, as someone who loved God, as someone who loved his family, as someone who would do anything for anyone,” Higgins said.

The funeral will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at Hillhouse High.