Hundreds Attend Michael Brown’s Funeral, Obama Sends 3 Representatives

Hundreds of people, including three White House representatives, have attended the funeral for the black teenager killed by police in Ferguson, Missouri.

According to the BBC, the Friendly Temple Baptist Church in St Louis was filled with mourners, singing, praying and remembering the life of Michael Brown.

18-year-old Michael Brown who was unarmed, was killed on 9 August after being stopped by a white police officer for walking in the middle of the street.

His death sparked days of protests and violent clashes, but tensions appear to have eased in recent days.

Two poster-sized photos of Mr Brown were placed inside the church near the casket, along with another photo of him as a small child.

Those in the church sang, clapped and danced to gospel music before the service started.

Mr Brown’s family addressed mourners, describing Michael as a gentle soul.

His cousin, Eric Davis, said his generation had stood up to what had happened in Ferguson.

“We have had enough. We have had enough of having our brothers and sisters killed in the streets,” he said. “Hear our voice. We have had enough of this senseless killing.”

Addressing the mourners, civil rights leader Rev Al Sharpton said people had a right to protest without police intimidation.

“America is going to have to come to terms when there’s something wrong, that we have money to give military equipment to police forces, when we don’t have money for training and money for public education,” he said.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon did not attend, while President Barack Obama sent three White House aides to represent him.

The mood outside the church was peaceful and sombre, said BBC correspondent Rajini Vaidyanathan, in St Louis.

“We don’t know the Brown family but our hearts empathise with them for their loss and the senseless violence,” one mourner told the BBC.

There is still anger in Ferguson, however, which has a majority black population, after the shooting by police officer Darren Wilson – who is currently suspended on full pay.

“If Darren Wilson is not charged, there will be an uprising,” another mourner said.

A grand jury panel of residents has begun hearing evidence in the case, though the country prosecutor has said the process could take until October.