As Jamar Clark Is Laid To Rest, A Call For Peace
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Ten days after the controversial shooting of Jamar Clark, a funeral was held for the 24-year-old in north Minneapolis.
A city police officer shot and killed Clark during a struggle on Nov. 15. Community members say Clark was handcuffed when police shot him, but police dispute that.
Clark's death has captured national attention, sparked non-stop protests on the city's north side and divided community leaders.
As Clark's funeral procession moved down Plymouth Avenue on Wednesday, it passed the exact spot where he was shot.
The procession also stopped at the 4th Precinct to acknowledge the protesters who've occupied the front lawn since the shooting.
"It's just not Jamar, it's a lot of people around the world that are experiencing racism, everywhere as a whole," said protester Ruby Harvey. "This is a situation where we can unite and make change."
At the funeral service at Shiloh Temple in north Minneapolis, hundreds of people attended Clark's funeral to remember him and pray for peace in the weeks and months ahead.
"The family is not against the protesters they just want them to be more respectful," said Arnetta Phillips, who attended the funeral.
There is concern the demonstrations could do more harm than good.
"It's got to end. It's got to stop," said mourner Sheryl Wagner. "All the bickering, all the fighting. Bloodshed. Too many tears."
Leaders of the Minneapolis Urban League called for Wednesday to be a day of mourning and asked the protesters to take a break. Rep. Keith Ellison also called for the protests to "evolve beyond encampment."
But protesters showed no sign leaving the 4th Precinct until video of the shooting is released by authorities.
