"We are driven by Dontre's spirit, they can't shoot that:" Rev. Jackson backs Hamilton protesters

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A nationally recognized preacher joins the family of Dontre Hamilton in a downtown march. Reverend Jesse Jackson spoke at the Federal Courthouse Friday afternoon -- praising the decision to open a federal civil rights investigation into Hamilton's death.

The day of events wrapped up at Holy Temple First Born Church, the Hamilton family's church. For about 6 hours on Friday, Reverend Jackson and the family spread a message that they will not stop their fight.

From Red Arrow Park through the streets of Milwaukee, about 100 people marched together.

"We started with 12 protesters coming out here for our cause, now we've gotten the whole city out. Now we've gotten the state's attention, now we've gotten national attention," said Curtis Sails, Co-chairman for Coalition for Justice.

They stop at the steps of the Federal Courthouse, the family of Dontre Hamilton is joined by Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Hamilton was shot and killed by a Milwaukee police officer in late April. The officer was fired for his actions leading up to the shooting, but he was not charged with any crime.

A federal investigation is currently underway.

Reverend Jackson showed his support to the Hamilton's family church.

"We are driven by Dontre's spirit, they can't shoot that," said Reverend Jackson.

Reminding everyone, this is the beginning of their journey for justice. Promising to continue as long as they have to.

Beyond a federal investigation into the Hamilton case, the family is asking for a federal investigation into the patterns and practices of the Milwaukee Police Department.

Organizers say another rally is scheduled for sometime next week.