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WATCH: Genesee County Sheriff joins protesters in march on Saturday

Posted at 8:38 AM, May 31, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-03 09:22:45-04

FLINT, Mich. (WXYZ) — Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson was caught on video Saturday afternoon talking and marching with protesters in Flint Township in honor of George Floyd, the man who was killed in Minneapolis last week.

Related: Tear gas deployed, protesters face off with police in downtown Detroit

According to Mid-Michigan Now, Swanson spoke with the protesters before joining them in their march.

"We want to be with y'all for real. So I took my helmet off, laid the batons down. I want to make this a parade, not a protest," Swanson said to cheers.

"These cops love you. You tell us what you need to do," Swanson added.

You can watch it below.

Protests also broke out across the state on Saturday. A second night of protests happened in Detroit. Protests also turned violent in Grand Rapids on Saturday night with protesters burning several cars and smashing windows in the downtown area.

The death of Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25 has sparked nationwide protests. The police officer seen putting his knee on Floyd's neck, Derek Chauvin, was arrested in connection to his death and charged with third-degree murder on Friday.