Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is under fire following a state Senate report that criticizes his handling of the 2020 Black Lives Matter (BLM) riots in Minneapolis. The report, released by two Minnesota Senate committees, accuses Walz of failing to act promptly as violence and destruction escalated in the city following the death of George Floyd.
The Senate’s scathing postmortem reveals that Walz delayed mobilizing the National Guard, waiting 18 hours after Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey first requested assistance. By the time the Guard was deployed, the damage was extensive, with over 1,000 businesses and a police station burned, making the Minneapolis-St. Paul riots the second-most destructive in U.S. history, trailing only the 1992 Los Angeles riots.
This was Minnesota under Gov Tim Walz: pic.twitter.com/6CCbhyOPca
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 6, 2024
Critics argue that Walz's hesitation exacerbated the chaos. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a vocal critic, highlighted the exodus of residents from Minnesota to Florida, attributing it to the failed policies during the riots. "People were five times more likely to move from Minnesota to Florida than vice versa," DeSantis stated, emphasizing the adverse effects of Walz's leadership.
Adding fuel to the fire, it was reported that Walz’s wife, Gwen, expressed a disturbing sentiment during the riots. She reportedly left her windows open to "smell the burning tires," calling it a "touchstone moment." This comment, perceived as insensitive, has drawn significant backlash and further tarnished the governor's reputation.
HOLY SH*T!
Minnesota National Guard Leaders Expose Tim Walz for Stolen Valor, Lying About His Rank, and Quitting When His Unit Was Deployed to Iraq.
"As soon as the shots were fired in Iraq, he turned and ran the other way and hung his hat up and quit," said Tom Behrends, a… pic.twitter.com/14zvDeSPRV
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) August 6, 2024
The riots, sparked by the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, saw widespread looting, arson, and violence. Critics within the Minnesota Senate argue that Walz's indecisiveness allowed the situation to spiral out of control. According to the National Review, rioters attacked police with Molotov cocktails, fireworks, bricks, and bottles filled with cement, as the governor dithered on deploying the National Guard.
Republican leaders have seized on the report to question Walz's suitability as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. They argue that his handling of the riots reflects a broader issue of governance that could have national implications. The Harris-Walz ticket faces a formidable challenge from former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance, who have been quick to capitalize on Walz's controversial record.
Walz, a former non-commissioned army officer and retired teacher, defended his actions during the riots, stating that the situation was unprecedented and required careful consideration. However, the Senate report suggests that his caution came at the cost of public safety and order.
As the nation looks ahead to the 2024 election, the handling of the 2020 riots in Minneapolis is poised to be a pivotal issue. Voters will have to decide whether Walz’s actions, or lack thereof, reflect the leadership they want for the country. The debate over his response to the riots underscores the broader conversation about law enforcement, public safety, and governance that continues to shape the political landscape.
