Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson urged President Donald Trump to step up as a “compassionate leader,” while much of the country continues to mourn and protest against the systemic police violence against African Americans and the recent police killing of George Floyd.
In a passionate speech shared on Instagram, Johnson criticized Trump’s lack of leadership and asks him “Where are you?” as protests and continued police brutality ravage the country.
“Our country is crippled and on its knees, begging to be heard and pleading for change. Where is our compassionate leader?” Johnson asked in the video’s caption. “The leader who unifies and inspires our country at our most painful time when we need it the most. The leader who steps up and takes full accountability for our country and embraces every color in it.”
“The leader who picks our country up off its knees and says you have my word — we got this — and together, change will happen. Where are you?” his captioned continued.
In the video, Johnson called on Trump to “extend a hand” to protesters and say, “You stand up. Stand up with me because I got you.” Furthermore, he urged the POTUS “to create the change that is needed [and] to normalize equality, because Black lives matter.”
“Of course all lives matter, every single one. Because we, as Americans, believe in inclusivity, we believe in acceptance, we believe in human rights, we believe in equality for all,” Johnson continued. “But in this moment right now — this defining, pivotal, explosive moment — we must say the words: Black lives matter.”
The acclaimed actor also thanked protesters around the world for their “incredible displays of solidarity” against racism and police brutality in the U.S.
“As we continue to wait for that leader to emerge, I recommend to all of you that we must become the leaders we’re looking for,” he concluded.
Watch Johnson’s passionate speech below.