Former Senate Leader Criticizes Governor Walz
- Former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader criticized Governor Tim Walz.
- The criticism was directed at Governor Walz's handling in crisis situations.
- Political tensions rise as GOP leader voices his discontent.
In a recent interview with Fox News, former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka expressed serious concerns about Governor Tim Walz's leadership capabilities, particularly in crisis situations. Gazelka criticized Walz's response to the Minneapolis riots following George Floyd's death in May 2020, stating that the governor hesitated to deploy the National Guard when requested by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Gazelka emphasized that Walz's inaction during this critical time demonstrated his inadequacy as a leader. Mayor Frey corroborated Gazelka's claims, revealing that Walz's indecision contributed to the escalating violence in the city. Frey noted that he explicitly asked for assistance, but Walz did not respond affirmatively, leading to significant unrest and destruction. This criticism comes amid broader scrutiny of Walz's leadership, particularly as he faces allegations of "stolen valor" regarding his military service. The controversy centers on discrepancies in Walz's official biography, which previously suggested he held the rank of command sergeant major upon retirement from the Minnesota Army National Guard. In reality, Walz retired as a master sergeant, and the higher rank he listed was only held temporarily and later rescinded. Following the backlash, the Harris campaign updated Walz's biography to clarify his military service. Additionally, Walz faced criticism for a recent statement regarding the presence of military-grade weapons in civilian life, which he later acknowledged as a miscommunication. These issues collectively raise questions about Walz's leadership and credibility as he navigates his political career.