A photograph of a police officer and protester in Portland, Oregon, sharing a moment of compassion during a Ferguson rally is spreading like wildfire online.

The emotional picture was captured by a freelance photographer at a protest on Nov. 25, one day after the grand jury's decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson was announced. It was first shared with The Oregonian.

The photographer, Johnny Nguyen, snapped the picture at the beginning of a rally against the perceived racial injustice felt throughout the nation in the case of the death of black teenager Michael Brown at the hands of white policeman Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri.

In the image, Portland Police Sgt. Bret Barnum is seen clutching the young, teary-eyed Devonte Hart.

Hart, 12, was holding a "Free Hugs" sign while several activists spoke to the crowd. According to The Oregonian, the 21-year-veteran noticed the boy, clearly upset, and approached him and began talking to the boy about the demonstration, school and life. He then gestured to Hart's sign and asked, "Do I get one of those?" and reached in for a comforting embrace.

As tensions and emotions continue to run high in the wake of the grand jury decision to not indict Wilson, Nguyen's moving image has gone viral, showing a glimmer of positive cooperation. He posted the image on Instagram, and the response has been enormous.

"The most profound photo of the year. Thank you for capturing this moment. The nation is in desperate need of hugs," one Instagram user npsepulveda commented. Other commenters said the photograph moved them to tears, and Nguyen posted feedback once it was apparent that the picture of Hart and Barnum resonated with people.

"I want to thank everyone who shared my photo today!!! You guys are playing a great role in spreading the message of hope and humanity as seen here in the photo of Sgt. Barnum and Devonte Hart," he wrote. "Spread love."

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