Critically wounded Cuomo aide in coma

An aide in Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's administration who was shot in the head during the holiday weekend by an apparent stray bullet was in a coma and fighting for his life, his family said Tuesday.

Carey Gabay, 43, a first deputy general counsel at Empire State Development who was shot during a pre-dawn street party before Monday's West Indian American Carnival parade, remains in critical condition and is "surrounded by his loved ones," his family said.

"Our family is thankful for the outpouring of prayers that we've received in the aftermath of this senseless violence," Gabay's family said in a statement. "Carey has always been an inspiration to all of us, and he continues to inspire us with his fight for survival. We are leaning on our faith and asking for continued support during this extremely difficult time."

Gabay was raised in a public housing complex in the Bronx and went on to college and law school at Harvard University. Cuomo on Monday said the attorney had lived "the American dream" and commended him for dedicating his life to public service.

NYPD Commissioner William Bratton said that based on a briefing he received Tuesday morning, Gabay's shooting "does appear to be gang-related."

"I'm very confident we will solve that crime," Bratton told reporters, calling Cuomo's aide an "innocent victim."

"We have a pretty good idea of the two gangs involved. We know everybody in those gangs."

NYPD officials said they are offering a $12,500 reward for information in the shooting, which took place during the unsanctioned pre-parade festivities known as J'ouvert.

Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce tweeted that police are seeking leads in the investigation. A police spokeswoman said no suspects are in custody.

The reward would be granted upon the arrest, indictment and conviction of the gunman.

NYPD Assistant Chief Patrick Conry said Monday that it appeared Gabay was an "unintended target" of the shooting. The shooting occurred about 3:40 a.m. on Bedford Avenue between Sullivan Place and Montgomery Street, Conry said.

With Nicole Fuller