As protests erupt into conflict all over the United States, a Sheriff in Genesee County, Michigan showed what might be possible at many of the daytime protests if law enforcement officers choose peace.
Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson was captured in many live videos putting down his riot gear and choosing to join a march in solidarity with the citizens protesting police brutality.
Addressing the protestors, Swanson said:
"We want to be with y'all for real so I took the helmet off and laid the batons down."
Sheriff Chris Swanson of Genesee County had this to say after joining a peaceful protest in Flint, Michigan last night. https://t.co/FZ4Fe9173M pic.twitter.com/CqUogileWg
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) May 31, 2020
According to The New York Post, Swanson says he was prepared to greet protestors in full riot gear.
But he saw an "opportunity" for togetherness when he saw one of his officers fist bump a protestor.
HAPPENING IN FLINT MICHIGAN. FLINT POLICE HAVE TAKEN THEIR RIOT GEAR OFF AND GENESEE COUNTY SHERIFF CHRIS SWANSON IS WALKING WITH PROTESTERS. THIS IS HOW CHANGE HAPPENS!! #BLACKLIVESMATTER pic.twitter.com/hDAe85lDyY
— MK (@mgiavanas) May 31, 2020
Swanson spoke to a leader of the protest.
"And I said, 'What else do I need to do?' and he said, 'Walk with us'."
Swanson decided to trust the protestors and become one of them.
He later spoke of that moment to The New York Post:
"The best moment of my police career is when I said, 'Let's walk.' And we walked over a mile back to where it started and I could feel an instantaneous peace on both sides."
Sheriff Swanson asked protesters “What do you want from us?"
They said “Walk with us"
Swanson said “Let's walk"
This is what I like to see, keep it going Flint 💯 pic.twitter.com/UNQkNrnCdD
— Hillary (@HKrroqi) May 31, 2020
While many police departments caused further outrage and controversy by physically assaulting protestors—including children, Swanson created positivity by remembering the core duty of his department.
Imagine if every Sheriff and Police Chief followed the lead of Chris Swanson, Sheriff in Flint, Michigan.
He takes his helmet off, lays down his baton, and walks with protesters.
This is leadership. This is empathy. This is unity. This is love.pic.twitter.com/xYd23ptrcW
— Travis Akers (@travisakers) May 31, 2020
In a viral video addressing the infamous video of a police officer killing George Floyd, Swanson said:
"The only reason we're here is to make sure you've got a voice. That's it. Don't think for a second that he [Chauvin] represents who these cops are from all over the county and around the nation...These cops love you … so you tell us what we need to do."
The internet was inspired by Swanson's approach.
The story about what happened in Flint, Michigan last night is an extremely powerful one.
When protesters met Sheriff Chris Swanson and fellow law enforcement officers he asked, “We are mad too! What can we do?"
This is the result...
(Photos courtesy of Leni Kei Photogrpahy) pic.twitter.com/FfAHOx5EYH
— Dillon Gaudet (@DGaudetWBOY) May 31, 2020
Peace prevailed in Flint today as Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and his officers put down their batons and marched with protestors pic.twitter.com/p6fCnhRDzz
— Santiago Ochoa (@santi8a98) May 31, 2020
This is my hometown. Flint Michigan. The Sheriff Chris Swanson and protestors. THIS is leadership. I total class act. pic.twitter.com/omOVjShJWq
— Dawn Annette Hill (@Dawny0420) May 31, 2020
Every police force around the nation should take a few notes from Sheriff Swanson 🙏👏 #WalkWithUs #GeorgeFloydProtests pic.twitter.com/pQMnZLcwN4
— Joreal Whitfield (@jorealwhitfield) May 31, 2020
Want to know what a protest that leads to real change looks like? This is it. In Flint Michigan, Sheriff Chris Swanson and his officers joined protesters to march for justice for George Floyd. Unity not destruction. I hope & pray we see more of this today. pic.twitter.com/bKKLV7J6bb
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) May 31, 2020
Marching into conflict takes courage, but bravery is also being willing to choose peace.
Liam McBurney/PA Images via Getty Images
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