Nineteen-year-old Tony Robinson, whose death sparked protests over a week ago when the unarmed man was gunned down by an officer in Madison, Wis., was eulogized Saturday.
Nearly 1,000 people attended the afternoon funeral in the auditorium of Madison East High School, which had additional seating in the gym, where mourners watched the ceremony on screens, according to NBC News, citing a report at the Wisconsin State Journal.
Advertisement
In an emotional sendoff, friends and family alike shared stories about the teen, who was known to relatives as Terrell.
"My nephew was not a victim, because God has called him home to take his place beside our Father on the highest of the thrones," said his aunt, Lorien Carter, writes the television news outlet.
Advertisement
The teen was shot by Madison Police Officer Matt Kenny on March 6 after a confrontation, police say. NBC News reports that an autopsy report released by the Dane County Medical Examiner's Office Friday said Robinson was shot in the head, torso and upper body.
The shooting sparked peaceful protests and occurred as the nation grapples with police violence, namely the use of excessive force, in communities of color. The family asked protesters to put away their signs during the funeral, the Associated Press says.
Advertisement
The shooting is under investigation, the report says.
Read more at NBC News.
