ST. PAUL — A Baptist preacher delivered a eulogy in a Roman Catholic cathedral, black and white worshipers joined hands in prayer, and nearly every inch of pew was occupied as friends, family and supporters mourned the death of Philando Castile at his funeral on Thursday.
Mr. Castile, 32, was shot by a police officer during a traffic stop on July 6, and a video of the grisly aftermath streamed live by his girlfriend drew widespread anger and protests. But the Rev. Steve Daniels said in his eulogy that people must embrace unity.
“If we don’t come together,” he said, “we cannot survive.”
Mr. Daniels, of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, acknowledged the circumstances of Mr. Castile’s death and the sentiment among many that his race contributed to the officer’s decision to fire.
“Once again,” the pastor said, “we have the death of an innocent black man whose life was taken at the hands of an officer.”
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