Governor Walz is a Dangerous Choice for Kamala Harris’ VP Pick

Minneapolis, MN – As the smoke cleared from Minneapolis in the summer of 2020, Governor Tim Walz’s response to the violent protests in the city has come under scrutiny. During the height of the unrest, Walz acknowledged the “abject failure” in handling the situation, raising concerns about his potential role as a Vice Presidential pick for Kamala Harris.

Walz Let Minneapolis Burn to the Ground

In the wake of the protests, which saw immigrant-owned restaurants and minority businesses devastated by fires and riots, Governor Walz hesitated to deploy the Minnesota National Guard promptly. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey highlighted Governor Walz’s delay, stating that his calls for assistance were ignored until it was too late. The Mayor emphasized that the violence, including the fall of the Third Precinct, could have been mitigated with earlier intervention from the Governor.

A joint report by the Minnesota Senate Transportation Finance and Policy Committee and the Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee echoed these concerns, criticizing both Walz and Frey for their slow response and failure to grasp the severity of the riots. The report attributed significant blame for the destruction to this lack of timely action.

The impact of the violence was felt deeply within the Native American community. A 40-year-old American Indian organization was among the properties set ablaze during the riots. This highlights the vulnerability of urban Native populations during times of crisis and the critical need for decisive leadership.

Governor Walz’s hesitation to secure Minneapolis, a major city where many urban Natives reside, raises serious concerns about his suitability as a Vice Presidential candidate. His appointment now empowers the loudest and most radical voices in the country, further alienating those who seek safety, fairness, and representation.

“Governor Walz’s response during the Minneapolis riots gives us pause. His selection as a Vice Presidential candidate on an ultra-left agenda only deepens our concerns. We urge Native voters to explore other presidential candidates who prioritize self-determination and sovereignty,” stated the Director of NASP.

The devastation in Minneapolis resulted in over $500 million in damage, with 604 arrests and at least two fatalities, marking it as one of the most destructive periods of local unrest in U.S. history. The delayed response by Governor Walz underscores the need for leaders who can act decisively and protect all communities.

Tim Walz’s Military Service Embellishment

Adding to these concerns, Governor Walz has faced accusations of embellishing his military service. In his attempts to push for stronger gun control laws, Walz stated, “We can make sure those weapons of war that I carried in war are only carried in war.” However, Walz never deployed to combat zones in Afghanistan or Iraq during his 24 years in the Minnesota National Guard. He retired as a master sergeant, not as a command sergeant major as he has previously claimed, after failing to complete the necessary coursework for promotion. A newly surfaced video from 2009 reveals Walz calling himself a “retired Command Sergeant Major” during a televised farewell message to troops heading to Iraq. His misleading statements about his military service raise serious concerns about his credibility and judgment.

Walz’s China Connection

Further adding to the growing apprehension is Walz’s extensive connection with China. Reports indicate that Walz has visited China 30 times, served as a fellow at a Chinese institution with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and spoken alongside the president of a Chinese organization that the U.S. State Department exposed as a CCP effort to influence local leaders. This long-standing relationship with China’s government should give voters pause when considering his national leadership.

Anti-Parent Legislation

Governor Walz’s radical policy positions also extend to social issues. In 2023, Walz signed legislation allowing Minnesota to be a “sanctuary state” for children under 18 seeking forever life-changing surgeries and hormone treatments, shielding individuals from prosecution in other states – and keeping parents out of their parental rights. This law Walz signed directly undermines parental rights and prioritizes extreme gender policies over the well-being and consent of families.

NASP calls upon Native voters and the broader community to carefully consider the implications of leadership choices and support candidates committed to preserving our rights and ensuring our voices are heard.