Hundreds of mourners from across the nation attended the funeral service Friday for a 12-year-old boy fatally shot during a drive-by shooting in Bridgeport.

Clinton Howell, 12, was shot to death just a few feet from the front door of his home on Willow Street in Bridgeport a week before Christmas.

The funeral service was held at Cathedral of Praise on Gregory Street in Bridgeport.

Suspects Tajay Chambers and three alleged accomplices, who are 16, 14 and 12 years old, were all arrested and are facing charges.

Howell's teachers gave tributes to their former student.

The slaying stunned the Bridgeport community and received national news coverage, refocusing the country's attention on the growing scourge of gun violence in America and its deadly impact on young people.

"Sensible gun control is needed," said state Sen. Dennis Bradley. "We don't need any more young people dying on our city streets, we don't need any more talented people going to waste."

Mayor Joe Ganim and U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy also addressed the crowd about gun control.

In one of his first times appearing in public as governor, Ned Lamont chose not to make any comment.

Howell was laid to rest at Mountain Grove Cemetery. He would have celebrated his 13th birthday on Sunday.