National
Freddie Gray Funeral Draws White House Officials, Eric Garner’s Family
Mourners embrace as they gather in front of the casket containing the body of Freddie Gray before his funeral, Monday, April 27, 2015, at New Shiloh Baptist Church in Baltimore. Gray died from spinal injuries about a week after he was arrested and transported in a Baltimore Police Department van. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
(CNN) – A white casket sat at the front of New Shiloh Baptist Church in West Baltimore as a gospel choir sang for a large crowd gathered to honor Freddie Gray.
The 25-year-old died in police custody 15 days ago after he was arrested on a weapons charge. His death from a severe spinal chord injury sparked widespread outrage toward the Baltimore Police Department. Gray’s death in custody is the latest in a string of high profile deaths involving American-Americans and law enforcement.
Many have demanded answers about what happened to Gray and his funeral drew civil rights leaders, politicians, and relatives of others who died in police custody.
Democratic Congressman Elijah Cummings of Maryland spoke at the funeral: “To mother Gloria and to the entire family, I want you to know we stand with you during this difficult time.”
Cummings said he “looked at the cameras” and reflected on the great amount of attention Gray was receiving in death: “Did anybody recognize Freddie Gray when he was alive?” he asked.
