Gov. Walz's Handling of 2020 Riots: An Abject Failure That Let Minneapolis Burn

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Joe Biden's newly chosen vice presidential running mate, has come under fire for his handling of the 2020 riots that ravaged Minneapolis, leaving many questioning his ability to lead in times of crisis.

In the aftermath of the tragic death of George Floyd, Minnesota was thrust into the spotlight as the epicenter of widespread riots and protests that engulfed the nation. At the helm was Governor Tim Walz, who has since become the running mate of Vice President Kamala Harris. However, Walz's record in addressing the civil unrest has come under intense scrutiny, with many critics believing he failed to protect the citizens of Minneapolis and allowed the city to descend into chaos.

Despite initially claiming responsibility for preventing riots, Minneapolis was again rocked by widespread destruction on May 29, 2020, just hours after Walz's public assurance. Protesters looted and damaged numerous businesses, including a U.S. Post Office, a bank, and a Subway restaurant. The following night, residents witnessed one of the worst episodes in Minneapolis' history, as a fire raged through an apartment building and a neighboring O'Reilly Auto Parts store, forcing residents to flee their homes in the middle of the night.

Gov. Walz's Handling of 2020 Riots: An Abject Failure That Let Minneapolis Burn

Over 1,500 buildings were damaged or destroyed during the riots, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in losses. Residents, such as Max Rymer, who relocated with his family to escape the chaos, still express disgust over Walz's actions. Rymer finds it难以置信 that people continue to support Walz despite the devastation Minneapolis has faced under his leadership.

Despite the escalating violence, Walz waited several days before deploying the Minnesota National Guard, a move that earned him praise from then-President Donald Trump. Critics, however, argue that Walz's delay in mobilizing the Guard allowed the riots to spiral out of control, resulting in unnecessary destruction and harm to the city.

Gov. Walz's Handling of 2020 Riots: An Abject Failure That Let Minneapolis Burn

Republican state Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka claims that Walz only called in the Guard after pressure from the White House, suggesting that the governor was initially hesitant to take action.

In addition to the criticism surrounding his handling of the riots, Walz's wife, Gwen Walz, has also come under fire for her controversial remarks about the unrest. In a 2020 interview, she described how she enjoyed the smell of burning tires and kept her windows open to fully experience the chaos unfolding outside. Critics have condemned these comments as bizarre and insensitive, accusing her of reveling in the destruction that was taking place around her.

Gov. Walz's Handling of 2020 Riots: An Abject Failure That Let Minneapolis Burn

Walz's selection as Harris's running mate has sparked further debate about his qualifications for the role. Some question his ability to protect the nation from threats to national security, given his perceived failure to effectively manage civil unrest in his own state.

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Walz's handling of the 2020 riots will undoubtedly be a major topic of discussion. Critics will continue to argue that his actions demonstrated a lack of leadership and judgment, while supporters will defend his decisions, claiming that he did the best he could under extremely challenging circumstances.

Gov. Walz's Handling of 2020 Riots: An Abject Failure That Let Minneapolis Burn

Ultimately, it will be up to the American people to decide whether Walz's record as governor of Minnesota qualifies him for a position of such high authority and responsibility.