In the wake of ongoing protests against police brutality, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson joined demonstrators in their march in Flint, Michigan last Saturday.
Footages from the place of the protest showed Swanson smiling and offering high-fives despite wearing his riot gear.
“The only reason we’re here is to make sure that you got a voice — that’s it.”
He was recorded telling them:
“These cops love you — that cop over there hugs people.”
Protests were being held because of the string of police brutality cases, with the most recent incident of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis.
“Walk with us!” the crowd told Swanson, to which he willingly obliged.
“Let’s go, let’s go,” Swanson responded. “Where do you want to walk? We’ll walk all night.”
In a Facebook post, Swanson has also previously expressed his support for protesters after George Floyd’s death.
“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 continued:
“The actions we witnessed in that video destroy countless efforts to bolster community policing efforts across our nation and erode the trust that is painstakingly built.”
People on social media lauded his efforts, saying that it “is the correct response from police #WalkWithUs,” according to Gwen Campbell’s tweet.
The hashtag was also amplified and explained by JJ Milliken on Twitter: “#WalkWithUs is how we change a system that murdered #GeorgeFloyd.
It requires mindfulness of our actions and beliefs. Chris Swanson exemplifies the deputies and officers I know and respect. Community-first mentality and lead by example. This is a mindful action. This is change.”