Troy Davis was laid to rest on Saturday (October 1st) at Jonesville Baptist Church in his hometown of Savannah, GA. Over 1,000 attended his funeral, including NAACP National President Ben Jealous, comedian and activist Dick Gregory and gospel artist Deitrick Haddon. Rev. Raphael Warnock of Atlanta’s historic Ebenezer Baptist Church also spoke during the service. Check out coverage of the funeral from MSNBC below: Visit msnbc.com for breaking news , world news , and news about the economy RELATED: Michael Moore Calls For Boycott Of Georgia Over Troy Davis Execution Killer Mike Goes In At Troy Davis Rally! [VIDEO] Troy Davis Executed Big Boi & Killer Mike Protest Troy Davis Execution [VIDEO]
The execution of Troy Davis last night drew widespread criticism, including from 30 Rock star Alec Baldwin, who did not hold back on Twitter today. Never one to shy away from controversial subjects, Baldwin made sure that his disgust over the Georgia man’s death was heard loud and clear. Of Davis’ execution, which occurred at 11.08 p.m. by lethal injection, despite a plea for clemency, “The anti-justice haters won tonight,” Baldwin said . The 53-year-old actor went on to make a stream of politically passionate comments that attracted both praise and criticism from Twitter followers. He referred to the family of police officer Mark McPhail, who was gunned down rushing to the aid of a homeless man in a Burger King parking lot in 1989. “Wonder if the MacPhail family will seek death penalty for US leaders who killed thousands of US soldiers and countless innocent Iraqis,” tweeted Alec. He then went on a Twitter rampage about his disgust in the execution of 42-year-old Davis, which was based on questionable eyewitness evidence. “Every sensible American is appalled when police officer is killed. But the attendant charges are grave. U don’t want 2 kill an innocent man.” “Troy Davis is still dead. The gulf, still contaminated. Fukushima, still radioactive. Iraq, war. #wecraveignorancesowecanshoplikeamericans” He then went after conservative blogger Michelle Malkin,after she wrote: “Waiting for Hollyweirdo @alecbaldwin’s “I am Troy Davis” tweet…” To which he replied: “Davis is dead Does that make you happier, @michellemalkin?” He wasn’t done there, hitting her with this comment: “I wonder if @michellemalkin will push the needle in herself on a man the former FBI director said might have reasonable doubt on his side.” Baldwin, who has reportedly considered venturing into politics, was far from the only Hollywood star to weigh in on this cause celebre. Following her messages of support to Daivs on Wednesday, Kim Kardashian was upset to wake up on Thursday and discover he was dead. “Such an injustice!!!! Troy Davis was executed! My prayers are with the Davis Family! #RIPTroyDavis,” the professional celebrity tweeted. Troy Davis Executed
Although protests did not prevent the execution of Troy Davis on Wednesday night, Atlanta MCs Big Boi and Killer Mike were two of the thousands of protesters that rallied outside the Georgia State Capital and marched to the jail in Jackson, Georgia where the execution took place. Reverend Al Sharpton was also among the many supporters that took a stand for justice at the rally. As we previously reported, Davis was executed at 11:08 pm Wednesday night for the 1989 murder of off-duty Savannah police officer Mark MacPhail. Watch Big Boi, who is originally from Savannah, speaking about Troy Davis from outside the prison: SOURCE RELATED: Troy Davis Executed Killer Mike Goes In At Troy Davis Rally! [VIDEO] After #TroyDavis, Then What? A Message From Troy Davis Parole Board Stands By Their Decision To Execute Troy Davis! OutKast Signing With L.A. Reid’s Epic Records Mike Bigga AKA Killer Mike Talks New Album, ATL Face Tats & More [EXCLUSIVE] EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Big Boi Talks Solo Album, OutKast Label Drama
On the night of the execution of Troy Davis, rapper Killer Mike gave a powerful message at a rally in Jason County. RELATED: Troy Davis Executed Big Boi & Killer Mike Protest Troy Davis Execution [VIDEO] After #TroyDavis, Then What? A Message From Troy Davis Mike Bigga AKA Killer Mike Talks New Album, ATL Face Tats & More [EXCLUSIVE]
Troy Davis was executed last night (September 22nd) in Jackson, Georgia for being convicted of killing an off-duty Savannah police officer, and several celebrities reacted strongly via Twitter. His case received international attention after an informer’s testimony that helped convict him turned out to be false, and several witnesses recanted. Davis was supposed to die by lethal injection last night at 7 pm, but it was delayed as the Supreme Court reviewed his case. His appeal for a reprieve was denied, and Davis was pronounced dead at 11:08 pm. Davis was 42. Davis’ lawyer stated, “Tonight the state of Georgia legally lynched an innocent man. Tonight I witnessed something tragic.” Many others agree and call Davis’ execution a miscarriage of justice. Here’s what some celebrities have been tweeting about his death: SOURCE Troy Davis Executed After #TroyDavis, Then What? A Message From Troy Davis Parole Board Stands By Their Decision To Execute Troy Davis! Race To Save Troy! FBI, Sharpton Protest Controversial Execution