Photo At KKK Rally Goes Viral For All The Right Reasons

Saturday’s Klu Klux Klan rally on Statehouse grounds in Columbia was a polarizing event, but at least one moment produced some unity among the those who showed.

Gov. Nikki Haley’s Deputy Chief of Staff Rob Godfrey tweeted a photo showing a black officer assisting a white supremacist, and it made for a heartfelt moment in the middle of high emotions.

Leroy Smith was working the event when one of the KKK members told him about the man, who appeared to be suffering from heat exhaustion.

Smith and Columbia Fire Department Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins helped the man up the stairs so he could get treatment.

“I have been somewhat surprised by how this photo has taken off and gone viral around the world,” Smith said. “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.”