Tim Walz on Crime and Gun Laws

As Tim Walz prepares to join the ticket as a running mate, voters are increasingly focused on his record regarding criminal justice reform. Since taking office as Minnesota's governor in 2018, Walz has implemented significant changes to the state's criminal justice system, earning praise from reform advocates. Notably, in 2023, he signed a comprehensive reform bill aimed at reducing unnecessary probation and parole supervision, decreasing recidivism rates, and easing the reintegration process for formerly incarcerated individuals. Despite these reforms, Walz's tenure has not been without controversy. His response to the protests following George Floyd's murder in 2020 drew criticism, particularly regarding his initial hesitation to deploy the National Guard as violence escalated. Critics, including Republican State Senator Warren Limmer, argued that Walz's delayed action reflected a failure to manage the crisis effectively. However, in the wake of Floyd's death, Walz quickly moved to advocate for police reform, signing a significant package of legislation aimed at enhancing police accountability within two months of the incident. The criminal justice reform bill Walz enacted last year also included provisions for gun safety, which faced backlash from gun rights advocates. Once a supporter of gun rights, Walz's shift in stance has drawn scrutiny, particularly as immigration remains a contentious issue in the current presidential election landscape. Former President Donald Trump has seized on this aspect, criticizing Walz for his pro-immigrant policies, further complicating his political narrative.