The recent announcement of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Kamala Harris’ running mate has revived discussions about his leadership during the controversial 2020 riots following George Floyd’s murder.
As reported by the New York Post, comments made by Gwen Walz, the wife of Tim Walz, regarding the 2020 George Floyd protests have reemerged saying she kept the windows open to smell the burning tires.
Tim Walz’s governance during the crisis, where delays and missteps were noted, has received particular attention. Governor Walz faced criticism for how long it took to deploy the National Guard as the violence escalated and affected the Minneapolis community deeply.
During an intense period, Gwen Walz, the governor's wife, expressed how the riots had penetrated their family life. She described the overwhelming smell of burning tires—a vivid reminder of the unrest that sprawled outside their residence. "I could smell the burning tires, and that was a very real thing,” recalled Gwen Walz. This sensory experience prompted her to keep the windows open to remain connected to the developments on the streets.
In reminiscing about those days, Gwen Walz highlighted the toll it took on their household, noting multiple sleepless nights due to the compound stress of both the riots and the COVID-19 pandemic. These events unfolded around the St. Paul area, particularly stressing the local governance and the Walz family.
Gwen Walz's comments about the disturbances came during a June 2020 interview with KTSP. Here, she discussed the broader impact of the riots on their emotional well-being.
"I kept the windows open as long as I could because I felt like that was such a touchstone of what was happening,” she described. This gesture was a poignant attempt to grasp the gravity of the situation unfolding so close to their personal lives.
Another layer of controversy involved the governor's daughter, Hope Walz. Her actions during the riots drew significant public and media attention. She was accused of attempting to share confidential law enforcement strategies with protestors, which could have potentially compromised safety measures.
Hope Walz posted concerning content on social media on May 28, 2020, explaining the logistical challenges of deploying the National Guard and clarifying misconceptions about their immediate presence. “The guard can not be sent in within minutes... it takes time for them to deploy because they come from all over the state,” she explained.
These incidents brought about serious concerns regarding the dissemination of sensitive information during critical periods of law enforcement operations and public safety strategies. The matter was particularly sensitive because it happened concurrently with the Minneapolis Police Department's Third Precinct being overrun and set on fire by rioters—a stark symbol of the degree of unrest.
As Governor Tim Walz steps into the national spotlight alongside Kamala Harris, these past controversies are juxtaposed against his current ambitions. The couple spoke at Temple University in Philadelphia on August 6, 2024, marking a new phase in their campaign but not leaving behind the shadows of past governance challenges.
As discussions about Governor Walz’s suitability as a vice presidential candidate continue, his and his family's actions during the 2020 crisis remain a significant part of the conversation. These reflections are crucial for voters and analysts weighing the implications of his potential vice presidency.
Throughout the unfolding events and subsequent political developments, Governor Walz and his family have been compelled to revisit a profoundly tumultuous period in their personal and public lives. This makes the current political discourse not just about policy and capability but also about resilience and response under extraordinary circumstances.
