'I simply saw a man who needed some help'

[Gob]

The black police chief photographed helping a man who was wearing a swastika shirt at a South Carolina rally on Saturday has given a new interview about that day.

Leroy Smith, the director of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, said of assisting the man who was suffering from heatstroke; 'I saw a man who needed some help, and I was going to help him.'

'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.'

[Sue U]

Well, that officer is a better person than I am.

My favorite moment from the Rally for Pig-Ignorance was the hero sousaphone player who trolled the parade with snarky musical accompaniment:

[Guinevere]

That is hysterical!

As for the officer, that's his job, good for him for not looking the other way.