Hello everyone, buckle up because we’re diving into a political controversy that’s heating up just as the 2024 presidential race is starting to take shape. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is under fresh scrutiny for his handling of the George Floyd riots in 2020, and it’s sparking some serious debates, especially now that he’s been tapped as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate.
Let’s rewind a bit. Back in 2020, the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis set off a wave of protests and riots across the city. As the unrest grew, over 1,500 businesses and buildings were burned, causing an estimated $500 million in property damage.
People on all sides criticized how the situation was handled, and much of that criticism landed squarely on Governor Walz’s shoulders. The big question that’s still looming: Was Governor Walz too slow to send in the National Guard?
According to reports from the Minneapolis Star Tribune and other outlets, Walz hesitated before deploying the National Guard, a decision that’s being reexamined as he steps onto the national stage. Despite this, Walz has recently declined interview requests from The New York Times, which ran stories on August 6 and August 14 examining his actions during the riots.
Instead of speaking directly, Walz’s office issued a statement calling the riots “a tragic time” and defending the governor’s decision to deploy the National Guard when he did. However, the statement also pointed a finger at then-President Donald Trump, claiming that Walz took action while Trump did not.
The lack of direct engagement on this issue isn’t sitting well with everyone. Even local leaders like Minneapolis’ Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey, who is supporting Walz’s campaign, were critical of the governor’s response at the time.
Frey recalls urgently requesting National Guard support as the situation spiraled out of control, only to be met with hesitation from Walz. Frey’s frustration was palpable when he told the Star Tribune that his call for help went unanswered until after it was too late to save a police precinct from being overrun.
It’s not just Democrats who are questioning Walz’s leadership. Republican state Senator Warren Limmer didn’t mince words, accusing Walz of freezing under pressure and suggesting that the governor may have had “personal sympathies” toward the rioters. These comments were highlighted in a report by the Minnesota Senate’s Joint Transportation and Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, which sharply criticized Walz for his delayed response.
Now, with Walz in the spotlight as Harris’ running mate, these criticisms are resurfacing at a critical moment.
