Thousands of mourners attend funeral of man shot dead by cop whose death was streamed live on Facebook
The body of Philando Castile, who died in Minnesota, was brought to the cathedral in a horse drawn carriage laden with flowers
THOUSANDS of mourners gathered on Thursday to attend the funeral of Philando Castile, the man who was fatally by a police officer, and whose death sparked protests across the US.
The ceremony was held at Minnesota cathedral, and as the service concluded, according to the , the cry of "United for Philando" rang out from those who had gathered to pay their respects.
Castile's body was taken from the funeral home where he had laid at rest, in a white horse drawn carriage with his coffin laden with flowers.
As it arrived at St Paul's, his girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, who had live streamed his dying moments on Facebook, broke down in heart wrenching tears.
She was at the funeral with her four-year-old daughter, who had been in the back of the car when Castile was pulled over for a broken tail light on July 6.
Wearing a black hat, she was comforted by her boyfriend's family.
The public were allowed to attend the event, but Castile's mother, Valerie, had appealed that no photos or recordings were done.
She issued a statement calling for peace, and said she wanted "people to come together in a new way" at the service.
Taking to Twitter she asked for the ceremony not to be turned into a "media circus" and added: "Philando deserves that much respect!"
The service according to the , went on for 90 minutes, and mourners were asked to turn to the person next to them at the beginning and give them a hug.
There were poems, songs and family readings, and Sounds of Blackness performed songs.
The eulogy was delivered by Rev. Steve Daniels Sr., pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of St. Paul, and prayers were led by Rev. John Ubel.
According to the Star Tribune, Philando's sister, Allyza wrote a special message in the program for the service - it said: "My brother my hero, your heart was so pure and solid as gold … I love you forever and your legacy will continue to live on. You made history, you opened their eyes."
His uncle Clarence, told the publication: "I'm just amazed at how many people care about Philando and care about what happened to him.
"He was a young, loving, handsome, giving, caring individual."
Castile's casket was taken to the horse-drawn carriage for a private burial after the service.
related stories
Around 5,000 people were expected at the reception, which was taking place at J.J. Hill Montessori School.
It was there Castile worked in the cafeteria.
Those who attended enjoyed a picnic together of hamburgers and hot dogs - it was to celebrate Castile's love for the children he worked with.
His death, and that of Alton Sterling, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, were the touchpaper for the mass demonstrations which happened across the US.
It was at one of these, in Dallas, that five police officers were shot dead, as an act of retribution by Micah Johnson.
Seven other were injured by the gunman, who said he wanted to "kill white cops."
Castile's death is currently being investigated by the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the two officers involved are on administrative leave.
He told officers when he was pulled over he had a gun in the car and a permit to use it. However, when he went to reach for his wallet, he was shot by Jeronimo Yanez, who had worked for the St. Anthony Police Department for nearly five years.
Castile's girlfriend Reynold's filmed what happened as her partner slowly slipped away and broadcast it live on social media.
Lawyer Thomas Kelly said Yanez pulled Castile over because he thought he could have been a "possible match" for a suspect who had been involved in an armed robbery.