CNN Debunks Walz's Claims of Carrying Weapons in Combat

A CNN correspondent has refuted claims made by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who is running mate to Vice President Kamala Harris, that he carried weapons in combat. The correspondent asserted that there is no evidence to support such a claim.

Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, has faced scrutiny over his political and military record since his selection. One particular claim that has drawn attention is Walz's assertion that he carried weapons in combat. However, a CNN correspondent has thoroughly debunked this claim.

CNN Debunks Walz's Claims of Carrying Weapons in Combat

During a Wednesday campaign event, Walz declared, "We can make sure those weapons of war, that I carried in war, is the only place where those weapons are at."

CNN correspondent Tom Foreman, in response to this statement, stated unequivocally, "There is no evidence that at any time Governor Walz was in the position of being shot at, and some of his language could easily be seen to suggest that he was. So that is absolutely false when he said that about gun rights out there."

CNN Debunks Walz's Claims of Carrying Weapons in Combat

Foreman highlighted the distinction between being in a combat zone and actually being engaged in combat, emphasizing that Walz has never been in a situation where he was being shot at.

The correspondent cited Walz's deployment to Italy with the Minnesota National Guard in 2003 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. According to the Minnesota Guard, the battalion's mission was to provide security at locations in Europe and Turkey, and Walz was stationed in Italy throughout his deployment.

CNN Debunks Walz's Claims of Carrying Weapons in Combat

Walz did not deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan, which are commonly associated with combat situations.

Despite Foreman's clear fact-checking, the Harris-Walz campaign maintained that Walz "carried, fired, and trained others to use weapons of war innumerable times" during his 24 years of service. The campaign spokesperson went on to commend Senator Vance, Walz's Republican counterpart, for his military service.

CNN Debunks Walz's Claims of Carrying Weapons in Combat

Independent fact-checkers have consistently rated Walz's claim as false, pointing out the lack of evidence of his involvement in combat.

Questions have also been raised about Walz's alleged involvement in a "secret second deployment." However, the Minnesota National Guard has confirmed that Walz only deployed once, to Italy in 2003.

The CNN fact-check has further intensified the scrutiny surrounding Walz's military record, with critics accusing him of misleading the public. Senator JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential candidate, has publicly challenged Walz on his claims, accusing him of "stolen valor."

The controversy has brought to light the complexities of defining combat experience and the importance of accurate representation of military service.

As the Democratic ticket continues to campaign, it remains to be seen how this issue will impact their chances of success in 2024.