Madrid Protests: Bar Owner Protects Demonstrators From Police (VIDEO)

Alberto Casillas became a national hero in Spain after a video of the 49-year-old waiter protecting demonstrators in his bar from police went viral.

Casillas became a symbol of the anti-austerity demonstrations in Madrid, in which 64 people were injured and 38 were arrested on Tuesday.

The video (above) shows dozens of protesters packed into the bar "Prado," where Casillas works. He stands in front of the riot police, holding his arms out to protect the demonstrators. He screams at the riot police not to enter the bar: "On my life, you will not enter!"

After his act of bravery, protesters immediately came to thank, kiss, and photograph him, saying: "You, you really deserve credit," reports La Vanguardia.

Since Tuesday, Casillas has been interviewed by the Spanish media, and became a trending topic on Twitter with the account @PorterodelPrado.

Casillas, however, is a supporter of Spain's current, conservative government.

"Let me be clear. I am in favor of the Partido Popular. I am a supporter and voter of [Spanish Prime Minister] Rajoy ... but on Wednesday it went too far,” he told El Pais.

"There were excessive police forces. I am for compliance with the law, but above the law, there is humanity. I did what I had to do, that’s all."