A black state trooper refused to take a knee during a Black Lives Matter protest in Georgia, saying he only kneels for God.
Georgia State Trooper O’Neal Saddler was recorded telling protesters in Hartwell that he only kneels “for one person: God.”
“I was supposed to be out of town this weekend with my wife. I took off today, this weekend, but I’m out here to make sure y’all are safe. … I have much respect, but I only kneel for one person: God, God, God,” he added.
The exchange was tweeted by Students for Trump founder Ryan Fournier. It wasn’t clear when or where the exchange took place.
This is Georgia State Trooper O’Neal Saddler.
He was asked to kneel today, and this was his response.
God Bless him! ?? pic.twitter.com/DZOGg6qnFn
— Ryan Fournier (@RyanAFournier) June 7, 2020
Law enforcement officers and military officials have been recorded kneeling with protesters across the country over the last two weeks following the death of George Floyd. Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died on Memorial Day after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes despite his pleas for air.
The officer, Derek Chauvin, was fired from the department and has been charged with second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The three other officers who were involved in detaining Floyd, who was suspected of using a fake $20 bill, were also fired and charged with aiding and abetting murder.
Protesters in Los Angeles shouted at National Guardsmen to “take a knee” last week during demonstrations.
Some of the service members complied with the request, prompting at least one in the crowd to shout “thank you” and others to applaud, according to the local CBS affiliate. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti also took a knee during Tuesday’s protest.
Wow pic.twitter.com/KbyOeT2vkS
— Sophia Lee 소현 (@SophiaLeeHyun) June 2, 2020
