'This is bravery': Internet hails 'Reacher' star Alan Ritchson as he fires back at cops who trolled him online for criticizing police brutality

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a bold move that has ignited praise across the internet, Alan Ritchson, the lead actor in Prime Video's hit series 'Reacher', has refused to back down from his remarks criticizing police brutality and calling for reform within law enforcement agencies.

Ritchson's remarks sparked outrage among some fans and prompted the National Fraternal Order of Police to label him a "useless Hollywood actor" on social media, The Daily Beast reported.

National Fraternal Order of Police brands Alan Ritchson a 'useless Hollywood actor'

The controversy stems from an interview Ritchson gave to The Hollywood Reporter earlier this month, where he discussed the online reaction among certain conservative fans of 'Reacher' following the resurfacing of a picture of him wearing a t-shirt that said, "Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor."

During the interview, Ritchson didn't mince words and said, "Cops get away with murder all the time, and the fact that we can't really hold them accountable for their improprieties is disturbing to me."

"We should completely reform the way that we do it. I mean, you shouldn’t have to spend more time getting an education as a hairstylist than as a cop who’s armed with a deadly weapon," he added.

Ritchson's comments caught the attention of the National Fraternal Order of Police, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to slam the actor, branding him a "useless Hollywood actor" engaging in "virtue signaling for attention at the expense of brave police officers."

Alan Ritchson hits back at National Fraternal Order of Police

However, Alan Ritchson wasn't about to back down. In a lengthy response on Tuesday, April 16, on Instagram, he called out the organization's "concerning" display of "emotional immaturity."

"This kind of emotionally immature response is the epitome of what concerns me about law enforcement today. If this is how leadership handles a peaceful disagreement, what does life look like for those unseen interactions in the street? How does this shape the character of those police officers looking to management?" Ritchson asked.

Ritchson then asked whether individuals "so easily angered and bully[sic] like school children" should have the authority of a gun and the protection of a powerful union.

Recognizing the presence of "many good and brave cops," Ritchson argued that denying the existence of problematic individuals reflects "blind allegiance," which he labeled as "dangerous" and "fertile ground for fascism."

Internet hails Alan Ritchson after his response to National Fraternal Order of Police

Upon learning of Alan Ritchson's response to the National Fraternal Order of Police, the internet praised the actor for standing up for the cause. One Instagram user exclaimed, "Bravo to you sir," while another celebrated, "Reacher with a massive W."

One individual expressed admiration for the actor and said, "This is bravery, this is honor, this is MY MAN."

One person remarked, "You are on a home run streak dude." Another simply commented, "Well said Alan." One asserted, "Brilliantly said, Alan. Clearly you’ve hit a nerve of truth with them."

One user remarked, "Wow I have to say I'm very impressed thank you Alan."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.