5-year-old gives free hugs to police officers following violent protests

A five-year-old ended up teaching adults in his town some valuable lessons.

CBS News reported that Jayden insisted that he visits the police station after protests broke out in Charlotte, North Carolina on September 20, 2016.

His simple gesture touched hearts many hearts across the country. When the kindergartner heard that several police officers were hurt during a demonstration over the fatal police shooting of Keith Lamont Scott, he wanted to do something.

Deann Hooker, the little one’s mother, described her son as “old soul.” The family lives about three miles away from where Scott was killed

The little boy had heard all the commotion outside his window. With sirens blazing, Jayden woke up from sleep and was clearly upset.

The mother tried to explain to her little son. The following morning, he had overheard a news station report that said officers were injured in the protests.

He asked his mother if he could stay home to visit the police station that day.

“I want to give them hugs so they’re not scared.”

Jayden, CBS News, September 23, 2016.

Hooker turned down his request at first but gave in to his demands. She agreed to take him to meet the officers after school.

She said that her young son opened their eyes and they agreed because “it’s a beautiful thing.”

After school, Jayden decided to buy some doughnuts for the officers. He also drew a sign that said, ‘Free Hugs.’ He wore the sign proudly around his chest and made his way to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

He could hardly contain his excitement as he walked towards the building eager to greet officers and offer them doughnuts.

The officers and the boy’s mother were in tears as they kneeled down to accept hugs from Jayden.

Hooker was proud of her son, who at a young age taught how people should treat each other during the difficult times.

Jayden was taught, “When you hit somebody, it’s not good to hit them back.” He seems to have taken the message to heart, said his mother.

The mother believes that nothing positive can be achieved by hate. The “cool kid” has taken it up as a mission to spread love and positivity.