SC Public Safety Director responds to Photo gone Viral

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– Monday South Carolina Public Safety Director Leroy Smith responded to an image of him that’s gone viral. The Photo was posted on Twiiter Saturday by Rob Godfrey with Governor Nikki Haley’s office. The photo shows Smith helping a KKK supporter out of the heat during Saturday’s rally. Leroy Smith 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.”