Thousands of people walked through rain and braved cool temperatures Thursday morning to pay their last respects to nationally known rap artist Chad “Pimp C” Butler.
Publicist Nancy Byron said said she expects the 4000-seat Robert A. "Bob" Bowers Civic Center in Port Arthur to be filled to capacity with those wishing to bid farewell to a native son.
“I know people are traveling across the country to be here and I hope to accommodate everyone,” Byron added.
Port Arthur Police and other police agencies were out in force providing security for the event. Two PAPD sharpshooters were visible on the roof of the Port Arthur Public Library, near the civic center. FBI agents also were on hand to assist with crowd control.
While fans are allowed to attend Butler’s funeral, Byron hopes they will respect the family and friends of the rapper.
No cameras of any kind, including cell phones, were to be allowed into the Civic Center. Anyone seen attempting to take pictures during the service will be escorted out of the Civic Center.
Port Arthur Police Chief Mark Blanton said funeral attendees may be searched upon entering the Civic Center and anyone found with a camera or cell phone will be immediately removed and the cell phone subject to seizure.
Blanton added that firearms are prohibited in all city facilities even if the bearer has a permit to carry a firearm.
Byron also stressed that appropriate funeral attire will be required.
Butler, 33, was found dead in a Sunset Strip Hotel last Tuesday. His cause of death is still under investigation but an L.A. County coroner ruled that Butler died of natural causes. He was the co-founder of the rap sensation, UGK.
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MIKE TOBIAS
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December 13, 2007
Thousands attend Chad 'Pimp C' Butler's funeral
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