Thousands mourn George Floyd in Texas amid calls for reform
Source: AP
By JUAN A. LOZANO and NOMAAN MERCHANT
HOUSTON (AP) The last chance for the public to say goodbye to George Floyd drew thousands of mourners Monday to a church in Houston where he grew up, as his death two weeks ago continues to stoke protests in America and beyond over racial injustice, and spurred France to abruptly halt the use of police choke holds.
Reflecting the weight of the moment, the service drew the families of black victims in other high-profile killings whose names have become seared in Americas conversation over race among them Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Ahmaud Arbery and Trayvon Martin.
It just hurts, said Philonise Floyd, George Floyds brother, sobbing as he ticked off some of their names outside The Fountain of Praise church. We will get justice. We will get it. We will not let this door close.
Under a blazing Texas sun, mourners wearing T-shirts with Floyds picture or the words I Cant Breathe the phrase he said repeatedly while pinned down by a Minneapolis police officer waited for hours to pay their respects as Floyds body, dressed in a brown suit, lay in an open gold-colored casket. Some sang Lean on Me and Houstons police chief bumped fists and embraced others in line. Funeral home spokeswoman LaTorria Lemon said at least 6,000 attended the service.
Philonise Floyd, center is comforted by the Rev. Al Sharpton, left, and attorney Benjamin Crump, right at a news conference during a public visitation for his brother George Floyd at The Fountain of Praise church in Houston, Monday, June 8, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
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