Sheriff puts down his weapon and joins protesters in Flint, Michigan [Video]

• Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson put down his weapon and joined protesters in Flint, Michigan on Saturday.
• Swanson also took off his riot gear and addressed the protesters to let them know he stands by them.
• Swanson condemned the actions of the officers who caused George Floyd’s death and called for their prompt arrest and prosecution.

A sheriff is being commended by the community for putting down his weapon and joining the protesters in Flint, Michigan on Saturday.

The demonstrators had been protesting against police brutality and the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis when they were met by several police officers in riot gear, according to local affiliate WEYI.

Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson then took off his riot gear and addressed the protesters, saying, “The only reason we’re here is to make sure that you got a voice — that’s it.”

“These cops love you — that cop over there hugs people,” he continued. “I want to make this a parade, not a protest.”

And when the crowd chanted, “Walk with us!” he proceeded to join them.

His speech and consequent actions were captured on video and shared via Twitter:

Genesee County Sheriff (Flint, Michigan) Chris Swanson put down his helmet and baton and asked protesters how he could help.

The protesters chanted "walk with us" so the Sheriff joined — and walked alongside the protesters in solidarity.

Leadership.????❤️ pic.twitter.com/Vs3941C2o8

— Rex Chapman???????? (@RexChapman) May 31, 2020

Flint’s water crisis has drawn national attention since 2014 when the local government officials switched the city’s water supply to save money.

Residents were consequently exposed to toxic levels of lead, leading to more than a dozen lawsuits.

Saturday’s event offered the residents a welcome respite, which contrasts with the violent police confrontations in cities across the country.

Several members of the local and online community commended Swanson’s actions.

“This is the correct response from police #WalkWithUs,” Gwen Campbell responded.

“#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,” said another Twitter user, JJ Milliken, who also shared the video.

Swanson had previously addressed George Floyd’s death on Friday via a Facebook post.

Swanson wrote, “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.”

“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,” he continued.

Source: CNN