WAYNESVILLE, N.C.- Law enforcement officers across multiple counties escorted the body of Riley Howell to his hometown on Thursday.
Residents of Waynesville began to line the streets of the town more than an hour before the processional was set to arrive.
“I would estimate there are hundreds of people at this intersection alone,” resident Lynn Roberts told Channel 9. “But on the drive over here, I could see people standing on some of the overpasses on Interstate 40 two hours ago.”
Several people who came out to pay tribute to Riley said they weren’t surprised he chose to tackle the shooting suspect – putting others' lives before his. The gathering along the roads of Waynesville also including military veterans who did not know Riley personally but were inspired by his bravery and wanted to pay their respects.
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