Castile, man shot by police, laid to rest KARE-TV
More than 1,500 mourners came together Thursday to remember and honor the life of Philando Castile, a young black man fatally shot by a St. Anthony police officer during a traffic stop.
The morning began with a horse-drawn carriage that carried Castile’s casket from the Brooks Funeral Home to the St. Paul Cathedral.
Castile’s family and friends walked behind the carriage during the procession through St. Paul, passing J.J. Hill Montessori Magnet School, where Castile worked, along the way. Several residents stood along the procession route to watch, take photos or share words of encouragement.
After the procession arrived at the St. Paul Cathedral, lines poured out the door of the church as mourners waited to pay their respects. Gov. Mark Dayton, Rep. Keith Ellison and Mayor Chris Coleman were among those who attended the funeral.
Castile’s funeral started around 1 p.m., attended by people of all ages and races. His mother, Valerie, invited the public to attend, but requested that no pictures or video be taken.
The crowd stood clapping in time as the funeral began with a song called Optimistic from the award-winning Sounds of Blackness. Group member Gary Hines said after the funeral, “This celebration for brother Philando was really a homecoming and unification of people of all backgrounds.”
Castile was shot and killed by a St. Anthony police officer July 6 in Falcon Heights during a traffic stop. The aftermath of his death was recorded in a Facebook Live video by his girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds.
Castile’s uncle, Clarence, told the crowd his family is hurting “real bad.” He said they are trying to stay strong for Castile, who wouldn’t want them falling down.
He said the day was going to be all about love and support. He called a luncheon that was scheduled to follow the funeral at J.J. Hill “a backyard BBQ” for his nephew.
The Rev. Steve Daniels, Jr. delivered the eulogy, saying Castile has become the face of the Black Lives Matter movement. “We have to find ways to work together,” Daniels said.