Emotions run high at funeral for man shot, killed by police

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A standing-room-only crowd packed into a church Thursday to celebrate the life of a 22-year-old black man who was shot to death by Sacramento police, prompting angry protests in California’s capital city and a resolve to force changes in police departments across the country.

The musical and spiritual celebration of Stephon Clark’s life was interrupted by his emotional brother Stevante, who hugged and kissed the casket, led the crowd in chanting his brother’s name, pounded his chest and shouted. Others on the stage attempted to calm him, with limited success.

The Rev. Al Sharpton hugged and consoled him and told the crowd not to judge how families grieve.

“This brother could be any one of us, so let them express and grieve,” Sharpton said as he delivered the eulogy with Stevante Clark clutching him around the neck. “We are proud of them for standing up for justice.”

Clark was killed March 18 by two Sacramento police officers responding to a report of someone breaking car windows. Video of the nighttime incident released by police shows a man later identified as Clark running into the backyard of his grandparent’s home, where police fired 20 rounds at him after screaming “gun, gun, gun.”

It turned out Clark was holding a cellphone.

About 500 people attended the funeral for the father of two young sons.

Later Thursday, about 100 protesters blocked downtown streets for the third day in a row during rush hour while police maintained heavy security outside the downtown NBA arena where protesters have blocked fans from entering during two previous games. The Sacramento Kings were playing Indiana on Thursday night.

Clark’s name has been a rallying cry at protests and calls for police reform in California and beyond.