A Michigan sheriff who put the baton down to join protesters has gone viral in Flint Township on Saturday.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson was with police officers in riot gear. The demonstrators spoke with delivering a kindhearted speech demanding officers stand with them in their fight for justice.
“The only reason we’re here is to make sure that you got a voice — that’s it,” Swanson said in the viral clips. “These cops love you — that cop over there hugs people,” he said, pointing to an officer.
Swanson smiled and high-fived people in the crowd, who responded by chanting, “walk with us!” And that’s what he did. “Let’s go, let’s go,” Swanson said as he and the cheering crowd proceeded. “Where do you want to walk? We’ll walk all night.”
It was an image of cops people haven’t been seeing and it was welcomed across social media.
On Friday Swanson addressed George Floyd’s death via a Facebook post.
“I join with the chorus of citizens and law enforcement officials alike, calling for the swift arrest and prosecution of each police officer involved in this appalling crime,” he wrote. “The actions we witnessed on that video destroy countless efforts to bolster community policing efforts across our nation, and erode trust that is painstakingly built.”
