The political aftershock of the 2020 riots following George Floyd's death still resonates.
According to The Associated Press, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz continues to confront significant political backlash for his responses to the unrest sparked by the police murder of George Floyd four years ago.
As the Democratic nominee for Vice President in the upcoming 2024 election, Gov. Walz is revisiting the criticism from his handling of the Minneapolis and St. Paul protests. The reaction to his actions spans across political lines, with Republicans labeling him as indecisive and progressives accusing him of inadequate police reform initiatives. His decision-making during the crisis phase particularly stands out as a point of contention.
The initial days of the protests saw a swift escalation to violence and looting, prompting Gov. Walz to activate the National Guard in a limited capacity. This move was later criticized for being too delayed, with reviews and reports pointing to failures in leadership and the timeliness of deployment decisions.
By May 31, he ordered a full mobilization of the National Guard, a decision that former President Donald Trump paradoxically both criticized and praised.
The balance of enforcement and reform was delicate. While some argued Gov. Walz bent too readily to law enforcement priorities, notable changes under his administration included bans on neck restraints and adjustments to no-knock warrant policies.
These reforms emerged from legislation passed in July 2020 during a special legislative session, followed by further police reform measures in 2021 and 2023.
Throughout his career, and particularly evident during the crisis, Gov. Walz has held a stance of taking immediate responsibility for state actions. "Sitting on the sidelines and critiquing, that’s not what being governor is. It’s making the hard decisions at the time," he expressed during a 2022 debate. His acknowledgment of shortcomings has been clear: "I will assume responsibility," he stated, accepting accountability for the handling of the situation.
Reflecting on the outcomes of the decisions made during the 2020 incidents, Gov. Walz defended the actions and results. "I’m proud of Minnesota’s response; I’m proud of Minnesota’s first responders," he said, focusing on the efforts to manage the crisis effectively.
The no-knock warrant policy, often a contentious issue single-handedly, saw stricter restrictions under Gov. Walz’s 2023 legislation. This, along with multiple policing reforms, illustrates the complex legacy of a governor thrust into the national spotlight amid tragic circumstances.
Attorney General Keith Ellison contextualized the irreversible consequences of police actions, stressing the importance of accountability. "Somebody’s loved one is killed by the police, and you can’t restore that person because death is final," he remarked, underscoring the gravity of any loss of life at police hands.
Renowned attorney Ben Crump commented on the Governor's impact on police reform: "He used his position to advocate for passage of important police reform legislation." This praise came despite continuous critique of Gov. Walz's handling of the National Guard's involvement during those critical first nights of unrest.
The Governor’s approach, while distinct in its progression, was not free from public discontent. Activist Del Shea Perry voiced a poignant critique: "This entire administration has failed me." This statement encapsulates the deep divisions and expectations Minnesotans hold against the backdrop of national observation. As Gov. Walz’s vice presidential run brings renewed attention to his record, these divisive issues continue to define and challenge his political journey.
As the 2024 election approaches, Gov. Walz’s actions during one of Minnesota’s most tumultuous periods remain a critical narrative. His leadership, criticized yet also commended, will be a significant factor in his and the Democratic Party's future. This historical intersection of civil rights upheaval and political examination forms a continuing dialogue about leadership, responsibility, and reform both locally and nationally.
