Minnesota Governor Tim Walz took responsibility for preventing riots in Minneapolis in the spring of 2020 as the city faced chaos and destruction. Walz emphasized his commitment to preventing further unrest, stating that the responsibility fell upon him to maintain order. Despite his efforts, riots continued in Minneapolis, resulting in significant damage to buildings and properties.
The riots were sparked by the death of George Floyd, a Black man, at the hands of a White officer during a police encounter. The unrest in Minneapolis was part of a larger wave of social justice protests and riots that swept across the nation amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and government-mandated lockdown measures.
Walz, a former member of the National Guard, deployed state resources to restore order in Minneapolis. His actions were praised by then-President Trump, who commended the swift response to the crisis. However, some critics and locals felt that Walz acted too slowly in addressing the situation, with calls for more immediate action to curb the destruction.
Despite the challenges faced during the riots, Walz's wife, Gwen Walz, shared her personal experience of the unrest, describing sleepless nights and the smell of burning tires. Her comments drew mixed reactions on social media, with some labeling them as bizarre or eccentric.
In a surprising turn of events, Vice President Harris selected Walz as her running mate, highlighting his handling of the Minneapolis riots as a factor in her decision. Walz emerged as the chosen candidate over other contenders, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.
