Around 250 people showed up Friday, June 7 outside of the Falcon Heights City Hall for a planned lantern release celebration to honor the life and memory of Philando Castile. The event was organized by the Castile family for community members who were unable to attend the Celebration of Life Anniversary gathering held at Gibbs Farm on July 6.
Many Castile family members, friends and loved ones were in attendance, including sister Allysza Castile and mother Valerie Castile. Attendees enjoyed speakers, music and food for the event, held one year and one day after the fatal shooting of Philando by former St. Anthony Police Officer Jeronimo Yanez. The shooting occurred just blocks away from the City Hall July 6 of 2016.
Due to fire hazard concerns, organizers decided against releasing lanterns and instead held up candles and cell phones.
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See video by Phil McGraw below:
See more photos below. All photos by Chris Juhn
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