One of the most memorable image to emerge from a Ku Klux Klan rally in South Carolina is of a black police officer helping an elderly white man wearing a Nazi t-shirt.
In the photo, officer Leroy Smith helps an unidentified man wearing National Socialist Movement attire up the stairs of the South Carolina statehouse after he was affected by the heat.
The photo was provided to the Associated Press by photographer Rob Godfrey, and has since been retweeted more than 3,000 times.
"Not an uncommon example of humanity in SC," Godfrey wrote in a message posted on Twitter.
A number of social media users praised the act, describing it as an act of kindness.
The photo also attracted criticism on social media.
At least five people were arrested as white-supremacist and African-American groups clashed outside the South Carolina State House, where the Confederate battle flag was removed last week after a half-century, authorities said.
In a statement, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety thanked police for ensuring public safety during the rallies.
Opposing sides clash during New Black Panther Party and the Loyal White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan rallies on the grounds of the South Carolina Capitol in Columbia Source: EPA
A man is treated after getting injured during New Black Panther Party and the Loyal White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan rallies (AAP) Source: EPA
“We want to thank the multiple law enforcement agencies involved today for an excellent response and for assistance in keeping protesters and those on the grounds safe during the rallies," public safety spokeswoman Sherri Iacobelli said.
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