Photo: Police officer and protester share tearful hug

A police officer and protester in Portland, Ore., shared a tearful moment during a Ferguson rally on Nov. 25, which was captured by a freelance photographer in a moving photograph first shared to

The Oregonian

.

The image was taken at the beginning of the rally by Johnny Nguyen and shows Portland Police Sgt. Bret Barnum, a 21-year veteran, clutching 12-year-old Devonte Hart. Hart was holding a "Free Hugs" sign while activists spoke to the crowd, reports The Oregonian.

Nguyen's powerful photo has gone viral, spreading good vibes across the Internet.

"The most profound photo of the year. Thank you for capturing this moment. The nation is in desperate need of hugs," Instagram user npsepulveda commented.

Several Instagram users commented that they were moved to tears, and Nguyen has been posting more feedback on his Twitter feed.

This is not the first time Hart has brought positive spirit to a tough situation. For those looking for more back story, his adopted mother, Jen Hart, shares their story at the blog Paper Trail.