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The UNC student Charlotte, who died after attacking an armed man who opened fire on a classroom last week, will be buried with military honors.
Riley Howell, 21, was hailed as a hero after "taking off the assailant," police chief Charlotte-Mecklenburg Kerr Putney said at a press conference Wednesday, adding that the actions Howell had saved lives.
Howell, who was enrolled in ROTC courses at the university, will be buried with a guard-of-honor detail, the American flag folded and presented to his next-of-kin and a return of "Taps" after more 25,000 people signed a petition on Whitehouse.gov insisting on the special ceremony, reported WLOS ABC radio station Asheville, North Carolina.
The Howell family
The public funeral of Howell took place at the Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska on Sunday. A live band played an interpretation of "Amazing Grace" as its coffin was rolled into the auditorium and the mourners ranged in their place.
Howell's youngest sister, Iris Howell, described it as "everything I needed from a big brother".
"He taught me to be tough," she said.
Matthew Westmoreland / AP
Amy Westmoreland, the mother of her long-time girlfriend, Lauren Westmoreland, has described him as a "brilliant, handsome and humble young man who has played such an important role in the development of our daughter who is today." what she is. "
"He was going to be the father of my grandchildren someday," said Westmoreland.
The grieving mother said that when she thought of Howell, she was thinking about her "huge appetite", her warm hugs and her taste for the outdoors.
"My heart is torn in two for my daughter, for her family, for my family," she said. "… I love you, boy."
Howell was one of two students killed in the shooting. Four others were injured.
WASH 8
"Riley was really a man of one kind," said his family in a statement after his death. "He loved everything that was happening outside, the adventure and especially the family.He liked to work outside.When he worked, he did it with his hands and his heart. He has always been able to put others ahead of himself and has never hesitated to help those in need.He was friends with everyone and everyone – a big muscular guy with huge hearts. "
"He was the kind of person you thought would take care of you the moment you met him, and he always did," said his family. He has radiated love and will always do it. "
Emily Shapiro, of ABC News, contributed to this report.
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