Thousands attend funeral of teenager Michael Brown

  • 10 years ago
Michael Brown, the black teenager shot dead by a white police officer, has been laid to rest in St. Louis, Missouri in the United States.

On Sunday (24 August), Brown’s father had appealed for calm and peace on the day of his son’s funeral, a wish which had clearly been respected.

Thousands of mourners attended the two and a half hour service at a Baptist Church. Amongst them were civil rights leaders Reverend Al Sharpton and Reverend Jesse Jackson.

The White House also said it was sending three presidential aides to attend the service.

Brown’s body was laid in a black and gold casket, with the St. Louis Cardinals baseball cap he was wearing when he was killed laid on top.

A gospel choir played at the service and speakers made calls for the 18-year-old to be remembered with peace rather than violence.

Brown, who had just graduated from high school, was killed after being shot at least six times after a confrontation with an officer.

Michael Brown’s killing has focused attention on racial tension and relations in the United States.