ATLANTA -- The family of Nicholas Thomas laid their son to rest Saturday nearly four weeks after he was shot and killed by a Smyrna Police Officer.
"I thought it was beautiful, I thought the family felt loved, the family felt supported," said Thomas family attorney Malawi Davis.
"This isn't just a name, that a human being walked this Earth named Nick Thomas and that a family will miss him, and that a community and a daughter will miss him," said Davis.
Hundreds gathered at Ebenezer Baptist Church to remember Thomas' life and continue their calls for justice.
"Black lives matter," said Congressman Hank Johnson, who attended and spoke at the service.
He said he wanted his words to encourage love and hope, regardless of race.
"We should all fill our hearts with love, respect and appreciation for each other. That's the only way that we will win. It won't be rules or legislation or laws. It really boils down to what's in the hearts of the people," said Johnson.
Davis says the Thomas family will now continue their fight for change.
"This is a family that's been inspired to engage more now in this struggle and they recognize that it is a struggle across the country," said Davis.
The GBI has taken on the case at the request of the Cobb County District Attorney's office.
23-year-old Thomas was at work at an auto shop when police say they tried to serve him a warrant for a probation violation. Police say he drove a Maserati at officers, but some witnesses dispute that account.
Thomas is survived by his parents, a brother, and a 5-month-old daughter.
