The Loyal White Knights of the KKK decided to have a rally in Charleston this weekend to protest against the removal of the Confederate Flag there. While protesting, one of the older KKK-supporters, sporting a Nazi t-shirt, was starting to feel faint and needed medical attention. He was helped to the assistance by black Police Officer Leroy Smith.
The photo of an African American officer helping a racist protestor quickly went viral.
No hate in SC, not even at a Klan rally. http://t.co/T69GGkvTWJ
— Jason Trommetter 🇺🇸 (@jasontromm) July 21, 2015
Black cop who helped white supremacist at KKK rally: 'Service is at the heart of what we do' http://t.co/uEIxH2viou pic.twitter.com/ur6qDUczzl
— Khary Penebaker (@kharyp) July 21, 2015
Officer Smith, who is South Carolina’s Director of Public Safety, released the following statement:
“I have been somewhat surprised by how this photo has taken off and gone viral around the world. Even though I serve as the director of this agency, I consider myself like every other officer who was out there braving the heat on Saturday to preserve and protect. The photo that was captured just happened to be of me.
Our men and women in uniform are on the front lines every day helping people – regardless of the person’s skin color, nationality or beliefs. As law enforcement officers, service is at the heart of what we do. I believe this photo captures who we are in South Carolina and represents what law enforcement is all about. I am proud to serve this great State, and I hope this photo will be a catalyst for people to work to overcome some of the hatred and violence we have seen in our country in recent weeks.” [Emphasis added]
What an amazing gesture. It was so simple, but it captured so much. I truly believe that this is how things change for the better. One human being just helping another human being with no regard for differences in race, culture, or ideas.
Consider me inspired. 
