Family holds funeral for slain Ferguson teen Michael Brown
Large crowds gathered in Ferguson, Missouri to mourn Michael Brown, the unarmed teenager who was killed by police officer Darren Wilson Aug. 9.
The New York Times reports that Brown's family has asked for the marches and demonstrations that will surely accompany the funeral to remain peaceful.
The funeral is taking place on the first day of school in the suburban Missouri community. School's opening was delayed because of the unrest and heavy police presence that defined life in Ferguson for the two weeks since Brown was killed.
The Times reports that several officials from the White House will attend the funeral along with civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton.
The funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. local time, according to the Times. It will take place at the Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church.
Before the funeral, people visited the site where Michael Brown was killed to lay flowers and pay their respects.
#MichaelBrown's funeral service is OPEN to the public. Begins at 10 AM. Live on-air & online. #Ferguson #ksdk pic.twitter.com/HcA2Ksn0zt
— Nichole Berlie KSDK (@NicholeBerlie) August 25, 2014
The crowd for the funeral began outside its doors.
Guests continue to arrive for Mike Brown's funeral #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/begwtEgIlm — Laurie Skrivan (@LaurieSkrivan) August 25, 2014
The crowd stretched around the block, at least.
They're letting people into the funeral, but the line continues to wrap around the block #ferguson #stl pic.twitter.com/YiakO03IIG
— Jim Dalrymple II (@JimDalrympleII) August 25, 2014
One of the images captured the crowds and array of media satellite dishes broadcasting the scene.
Large crowds file into overflow seating at funeral for #MichaelBrown #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/gAmI4mugun — youthradio (@youthradio) August 25, 2014
