The public-safety division’s decision is in response to Nike’s recent decision to air an ad campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick, the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback, began kneeling and sitting during the national anthem in protest of social injustice, especially the police killings, in 2016. Mississippi Today asked Fisher to clarify his position. “As commissioner of Department of Public Safety, we will not support vendors that do not support law enforcement or the military,” Fisher responded. Bryant, who was appointed public safety commissioner, also supported Fisher’s actions. Bryant stated that he supports the decision of the commissioner in a statement to Mississippi Today. “He has the right to decide with which vendors DPS does business, and it’s certainly not with a company who pays an individual who has disparaged our fine men, women, and law enforcement officers.” Senator John Horhn, D.Jackson, stated that “the governor had been spending too many time with Donald Trump,” referring to Trump, Horhn claimed has politicized Kaepernick. Horhn stated that, although Trump tried to portray Kaepernick’s actions as unpatriotic he was actually participating in peaceful protests against the police brutality. Horhn, a black man, asked Horhn: “What’s more American than peaceful protest and asking for equal protection under law?” Kaepernick and the other protesters were not saying that all police officers are racist or bad, but they need to confront police brutality. Horhn spoke out about multiple videos showing police brutality. Kaepernick was expelled by the 49ers last year and is not playing football at the moment. However, other NFL players continue to protest what they claim are numerous injustices by law enforcement against the African American community. The announcement by Nike to sponsor Kaepernick has caused controversy. Some have praised the decision while others have reacted in the same way as Fisher and Governor. College of the Ozarks in Missouri dropped Nike apparel from its sports teams after the campaign was launched. Kenner’s mayor, La., announced that the city would cut all ties with Nike. This decision was later reversed. Late Friday, it was unclear whether DPS had ever bought any Nike products. Fisher stated that DPS has bought footwear and shirts (athletic attire), as part of its uniform attire, such like for the tactical training uniform. The Nike ad featuring Kaepernick provoked strong reactions. While the stock price dropped slightly, sales have increased. In fact, at one point in recent weeks, the stock had reached an all-time high. Rep. John Hines (D-Greenville) said that Fisher’s decision “concerns and bothers him greatly.” This is not anti-police. It’s about equality and justice.” “It is about equality, justice,” the Department of Public Safety is the umbrella agency that oversees most of the state’s law enforcement functions including the highway patrol, bureau of narcotics, and state crime laboratory.