Family, friends hold vigil for DC man killed by police on Christmas

The family of a D.C. man fatally shot by police on Christmas held a vigil Friday night to remember him on what would have been his 30th birthday.

The vigil for Gerald Javon Hall took place on Walnut Street in Northeast D.C. where he was killed.

Officers responded to the area last Sunday at around 11:30 a.m. after receiving a call reporting a domestic disturbance. According to police, Hall was armed with a knife and refused an officer's order to drop the weapon when he was shot by police.

However, Hall's family is questioning police's claim that he was armed with a knife.

"I want justice," said Hall's mother, Angie McCain. "I want the person who killed my son, I want him to go to jail."

The officer who shot Hall was placed on routine administrative leave after the shooting.

At Friday night's vigil, there were prayers for peace, understanding and justice.

"Unfortunately, his life was taken," said Pastor Raimon Jackson. "We don't know all the facts, but we are hoping that whatever facts come out prove that justice will be served in whatever way that happens."

Hall leaves behind four children. His family said he was a Navy veteran who put his family first.

There were members from the Black Lives Matter movement in attendance at the vigil. They urged the crowd to bring their concerns to the mayor's attention at her next public event after the new year.