It was an image that shocked many around the world over the weekend—a Black man carrying to safety a badly injured White man who was part of a group of far-right counter-protesters that attacked him and other Black Lives Matter demonstrators during a protest in London.
Now that man, Patrick Hutchinson, is speaking out about his experience and why he chose to save a man there to harm him.
Hutchinson is a personal trainer, martial arts expert and grandfather from London.
The day after the incident that saw him and his friends saving the far-right White man's life, Hutchinson spoke with the UK's Channel 4 about what happened and what motivated him to save a man most would classify as his enemy.
You can see the interview here.
Man who saved protestor at London rally speaks - as police reveal 100 were arrested'youtu.be
Invoking the murder of George Floyd, Hutchinson told Channel 4 that his motivation for saving the man was very simple.
"If the other three police officers who were standing around when George Floyd was murdered had thought about intervening like what we did, George Floyd would be alive today."
The incident occurred near Waterloo Station on London's South Bank on Saturday. The day saw multiple clashes throughout the British capital between Black Lives Matter protesters and White far-right groups who attacked both them and the police.
Prime Minster Boris Johnson deemed the far-rights groups' actions "racist thuggery."
Things got so out of hand that London Mayor Sadiq Khan issued a statement on Twitter warning of far-right groups instigating violence and urging Londoners to stay home.
This is totally unacceptable. We will not tolerate attacks on our police and perpetrators will feel the full force of the law.
It is clear that far right groups are causing violence and disorder in central London, I urge people to stay away. https://t.co/ZImnvmfWeL
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) June 13, 2020
It was in the midst of this type of violence that Patrick Hutchinson found the White man, who'd been badly beaten following an attack on Black Lives Matter protesters.
He'd been subsequently abandoned by his own friends and was in danger of being trampled by the crowd until Hutchinson and his friends intervened.
On Twitter, there was no shortage of appreciation for Hutchinson's act.
Well done son,being a good human being and doing this one kind act will ALWAYS defeat hatred and intolerance....love he linked it to the death of George Floyd, a clear message to anyone who stands back and turns a blind eye. 👏
— Colin Foy (@foy_foy29) June 14, 2020
Patrick Hutchinson and those that assisted him to get this guy away from further harm are true hero's and they show us that the power of common humanity transcends race, colour and beliefs. 👏👏👏
— Richard Gray (@Richard95157079) June 14, 2020
Good man
— Guy Fawkes (@blunted_james) June 14, 2020
Contrast this eloquent, calm man to the drunken, violent hooligans of yesterday.
— Carrie-Ann Miller (@Carrie_AnnMille) June 14, 2020
What a brilliant thing to point out about the other officers standing around George Floyd instead of stepping in to help, like Patrick and his friends did yesterday.
Well done Patrick 👏👏👏👏
— retro-blue-colly (@CollyRetro) June 14, 2020
Inspiring. Top lad, and also his pals who were helping out. People like this truly represent Britain. Not the violent fools we saw yesterday.
— Killiecrankie (@killiecrankie) June 14, 2020
If that white guy had died then the situation in this country would be a whole lot worse now - he saved more than one life yesterday.
What a hero.
— David (@InspectorDuck) June 14, 2020
Respect to Patrick, what a gent and full of compassion. So many people would've been caught up with all the anger of the moment to continue the beatings but he shouldered the burden. Now interview the Racist to see if he is still a racist please.
— Dee (@deeanewday) June 14, 2020
Love the humanity of this man, & a great T-Shirt. Keep chasing equality Patrick. With you all the way.
— Andrew Hargreaves (@AndrewdataHE) June 14, 2020
Patrick Hutchinson carries an injured stranger to safety during yesterday's protests.
It's easy to focus on the worst instincts of human behaviour. But it is vital we also celebrate the best. pic.twitter.com/WPuH27W48J
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 14, 2020
As for why he's joined the waves of protest surging through London, Hutchinson was similarly plain-spoken:
"I just want equality--for all of us. At the moment, the scales are unfairly balanced and I just want things to be fair, for my children and my grandchildren."
A worthy goal, indeed.
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