National Guard soldier prays and hugs protesters at Minnesota rally

A National Guard soldier joined protesters for a prayer outside the State Capitol in St.

Paul, Minnesota on Monday (June 1).

Footage filmed by a demonstrator shows National Guard Master Sgt, Acie Matthews Jr. praying with protesters.

He is also seen hugging a protester.

The filmer told Newsflare: "The group had gathered with speakers and then a few guard members eventually approached.

"The Capitol has been surrounded by the National Guard for days, so they were nearby.

"It was actually unusual that they didn't have the building surrounded at the time."