Michigan sheriff gets nationwide praise after lying down baton, marching with protesters

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Chris Swanson’s decision to lay down his helmet and baton and walk with those protesting the death of George Floyd has turned the county sheriff into a national spokesman for how police should respond to demonstrations.

The praise is coming from across the political spectrum, far and wide.

Former President Barack Obama, President Donald Trump’s press secretary and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer are among those who have cited Swanson’s approach in the days since, and he’s appeared in news stories across the country and on the NBC’s Today Show, Fox News, Inside Edition and Entertainment Tonight.