Written by Tanya Terry
A 30-second ad featuring Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson endorsing President Joe Biden has been running statewide on TV, cable and all digital platforms.
The ad is titled “Stopped” and was launched before the first debate between President Joe Biden and Former President Donald Trump held in Atlanta the night of June 27.
The ad opens with a video clip from an officer’s camera as he’s being attacked by a rioter during the Jan. 6, 2021 attack outside the U.S. Capitol Building prompted by allegations the 2020 election was stolen.
Additionally, the ad includes clips of other officers being overrun on the steps of the Capitol. Some officers have bicycle racks thrown at them and an officer wearing a helmet is seen shouting for help.
Sheriff Chris Swanson has been criticizing former President Donald Trump for not stepping in to prevent his supporters from attacking police officers during the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the Capitol.
According to a report by the Senate Homeland Security Committee, more than 140 police officers reported injuries from the attack. An officer is expected to lose his eye. Another officer had a heart attack after numerous stun gun attacks, and one was stabbed with a metal fence stake.
At a press conference held Wednesday, June 26, the day the video was launched, Swanson said: “Leaders that step into chaos and make order out of it can do far more than stepping into the circle and creating more division and destruction.”
Currently, the ad is running in eight battleground states.
Swanson is known for walking with protestors following the death of George Floyd.
Critics of Swanson being featured in the “Stopped” ad, who is up for reelection this year, say Genesee County needs a leader that supports everyone.
