Minneapolis protests erupt after George Floyd"s murder in 2020

The murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, sparked widespread protests in Minneapolis and St. Paul, leading to significant unrest and violence. Governor Tim Walz faced intense scrutiny for his response to the riots, with accusations of hesitance in mobilizing the National Guard. Initially, he approved a limited activation on May 28, but after further violence, he ordered a full mobilization of the Guard. Critics, including Republicans and some progressives, argued that his actions were either too slow or insufficiently forceful. The final report released in October 2020 highlighted failures in executive leadership at both state and local levels. It criticized Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for not acting decisively against rioters, attributing their inaction to a misguided belief that a strong response would worsen the situation. This hesitation was seen as a significant factor in the escalation of violence and destruction during the protests. Despite the criticism, some political allies defended Walz's actions, emphasizing his efforts to seek change and accountability in the wake of Floyd's death. However, leaders advocating for police reform expressed dissatisfaction with his perceived alignment with law enforcement over the protesters, indicating a divide in expectations for his leadership. The events surrounding Floyd's murder and the subsequent protests have had lasting implications for Minnesota's political landscape, with ongoing debates about police reform and the responsibilities of elected officials during crises. The situation remains a pivotal moment in the state's history, influencing both public sentiment and political discourse.