George Floyd protests: Sheriff joins protesters with powerful speech in Flint

A country Sheriff in Flint, Michigan removed his riot gear and laid down his weapons before joining the march with protesters.

A county Sheriff in Michigan took off his riot gear and helmet and peacefully joined protesters in Michigan on the weekend, as violent rioting and looting gripped other parts of the US.

Tens of thousands of Americans have demonstrated on Sunday across dozens of cities for a sixth day, as protests become increasingly violent and chaotic and the police response became more aggressive.

Protesters have gathered in dozens of cities across the US demonstrating against police brutality and systemic racism. The movement was sparked by the killing of African-American man George Floyd, who died after white police Derek Chauvin officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes during an arrest.

Many police have escalated their response as they try to clear protests, which in many areas have turned violent and spiralled into looting, fires and destruction of property.

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On Saturday, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson from the city of Flint talked with protesters, telling them he and his officers were “here to help” and were not involved in “nonsense”.

But the Sheriff engaged with protesters, telling them the officers were “with them”.

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

Sheriff Chris Swanson took off his helmet and baton and joined the protest.

“The only reason we’re here is to make sure you’ve got a voice, that’s it,” Chris Swanson, the Genesee County Sheriff told protesters on Saturday.

“Don’t think for a second that he (Chauvin) represents who cops are from all over the county, and all over the nation.

“We’re here to help people, not do that nonsense! I’m just gonna tell you, we want to be with y’all, for real,” Sheriff Swanson said.

The Sheriff yelled out he’d taken off his helmet and laid down his batons and asked how he could “make this a parade” not a protest. He went on to tell the protesters “these cops love you”.

The protesters then chanted at Sheriff Swanson to walk with them, and the police and protesters walked off together.

Sheriff Swanson has been praised for his response to the protesters, with reporters saying it is one of the few responses that has quelled the growing aggression on both sides.