CLEVELAND — A church official says a large crowd is expected at the memorial service for a 12-year-old boy who had a pellet gun when he was shot by a Cleveland police officer.
The service honoring Tamir Rice was scheduled Wednesday at Mount Sinai Baptist Church. Its development director told the Northeast Ohio Media Group the service would be open to the public as long as there’s available space at the church, which seats about 1,000 people.
In a statement, Tamir’s family thanked supporters and said a donation fund was set up to help cover funeral expenses.
Police say the rookie officer who shot Tamir on Nov. 22 believed the boy had a real firearm. He actually had an airsoft gun, which shoots plastic pellets.
A grand jury will consider whether charges are merited.
