In 2020, Governor Tim Walz faced intense backlash for his management of the Minneapolis riots, particularly his delayed support to police during pivotal moments.
Fox News reported that Walz's role during the crisis has come under renewed scrutiny following his nomination as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate.
The events in Minneapolis during 2020 were marked by severe unrest, with the Third Precinct of the city's police department being a significant target, ultimately being burned down. This period of intense violence stemmed from widespread protests and escalated into full-blown riots.
As the situation worsened, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey reached out to Governor Walz, seeking immediate National Guard reinforcement. However, assistance was not promptly forthcoming.
Records and communications from that time show that Mayor Frey had made a desperate phone call on May 27, followed by a written request the next morning. The urgency of the situation was communicated, but the response from the state's leadership was lacking.
The lack of immediate response from Governor Walz to deploy the National Guard was seen as a significant failure in his duties. This delay is often pointed to as a critical error that possibly exacerbated the situation on the ground in Minneapolis.
Quoting Mayor Jacob Frey, "We expressed the seriousness of the situation. The urgency was clear," yet the Governor hesitated, only stating that "he would consider it."
This hesitation during a crucial period of escalation is one of the main points of contention among critics who argue that the delayed decision reflected poorly on Walz's leadership abilities.
The Pipe Hitter Foundation, an organization that supports law enforcement and first responders, has been vocally critical of Walz's approach. They have expressed strong support for police officers and other first responders, providing legal assistance and advocating for favorable public policies.
Their critique aligns with a broader sentiment among law enforcement communities and their supporters, who feel let down by the lack of robust support from the governor during the riots.
Additionally, Governor Walz's public endorsement of the "defund the police" movement has further alienated him from law enforcement agencies and their advocates, complicating his relationship with these groups.
Amid the chaos, a comment made by Governor Walz's wife reportedly enjoying the smell of burning during the riots surfaced, drawing significant ire and highlighting a perceived disconnect between the state leadership and the experiences of the law enforcement on the streets.
This remark has often been referenced by critics to underscore the insensitivity of the governor's household towards the gravity of the events unfolding in Minneapolis.
The combined effect of these actions and remarks has not only strained Governor Walz's relations with law enforcement but has also become a point of debate as he steps onto the national stage as a vice-presidential candidate.
The criticisms of Governor Walz's actions during the Minneapolis riots serve as a focal point for broader discussions about leadership in crisis. This scrutiny has intensified since he was nominated the vice-presidential candidate alongside Kamala Harris.
Stakeholders from various sectors, including media fact-checkers and law enforcement officers, have continued to voice their concerns and criticisms, which have now taken on new significance in the context of the upcoming national elections.
The narrative surrounding his leadership during the riots poses significant challenges for his current political campaign, affecting both public perception and his credibility among key voter blocs.
