Trump Praises Walz for Floyd Response

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is under fire for his delayed response to the civil unrest that erupted following the police murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Critics, including State Senator Warren Limmer, argue that Walz should have deployed the Minnesota National Guard sooner as protests escalated into violence. The unrest, which coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic, drew international attention and resulted in significant destruction, including the burning of the Minneapolis police's Third Precinct. Despite the criticism, Walz has defended his actions, stating that he and state officials acted in good faith during an unprecedented crisis. He acknowledged the challenges of communication and coordination with local officials, which contributed to the delay in deploying the National Guard. In a recent press conference, Walz admitted that the local response was an "abject failure" and emphasized that he would take charge of the situation moving forward. Former President Donald Trump, in a resurfaced audio recording, praised Walz for his eventual actions to restore order, stating that he "dominated" the situation after deploying the National Guard. However, Trump’s campaign later criticized Walz for allowing the violence to continue for days before taking decisive action. The controversy surrounding Walz's response has gained renewed attention as he has been selected as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate, prompting questions about his leadership during the unrest. As the 2024 elections approach, Walz's handling of the protests remains a contentious topic, with both supporters and detractors weighing in on his decisions during a critical moment in Minnesota's history.