Mourners gathered on Monday for the funeral of Andrew Brown Jr, a Black man shot dead by law enforcement agencies in North Carolina, to celebrate his legacy and reflect on his life amid ongoing protests against police brutality.
The invite-only service began at noon (16:00 GMT) at the Fountain of Life Church in Elizabeth City. People slowly came into the church as a band played soft music, which then turned to upbeat Gospel, before settling back into a mournful tone.
The funeral follows public viewings. Local media reported hundreds attended Brown’s viewing on Sunday. Elizabeth City saw another day of protests on Sunday which were yet to cease since Brown was killed on April 21.
Andrew Brown Jr. s funeral held amid growing calls for bodycam video By Sophie Lewis Funeral held for Andrew Brown Jr.
Speakers at a funeral service for Andrew Brown Jr., a 42-year-old Black man killed by police, called on the sheriff to release the bodycam video of the incident. Seven deputies arrived at Brown s home to serve a warrant as part of a drug investigation before fatally shooting him. We know that it was a reckless, unjustifiable shooting, said Ben Crump, an attorney who represents Brown s family, during the service Monday at Fountain of Life Church in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The video is going to have to come out, because as we stand in the house of God, we know a lie cannot live forever.
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Mourners honor Andrew Brown Jr. in peaceful march
Families and friends of Brown marched to a museum for a public viewing and memorial service in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Family and friends of Andrew Brown Jr. gathered Monday at a North Carolina church for his funeral as protesters continue to take to the streets to demand justice and answers over why sheriff s deputies opened fire on the 42-year-old Black man outside his home last month.