Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s response to the 2020 George Floyd riots in Minneapolis has left some residents concerned about their state’s leadership. Now that Walz is Vice President Harris’ running mate on the 2024 Democrat ticket, these concerns have extended to the potential new leadership of the country.
One resident, Max Rymer, who moved with his family from a neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis to a suburb about 45 minutes north of the city in 2020, expressed his disdain for Walz. Rymer, a Republican running for the Minnesota House of Representatives District 28B, cannot fathom how there are still supporters of Walz after the tumultuous events of the last four years.
The unrest in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd was marked by destructive riots that led to the burning down of an entire police precinct. This chaos, coupled with COVID-19 lockdown mandates, rising violent crime rates, and immigration policies that have significantly impacted the state’s demographics, has prompted many residents to question Walz’s leadership.
Business owners in Minneapolis, such as Lloyd Drilling, Elijah Fhima, Charles Stotts, and Kacey White, shared their harrowing experiences during the riots, recounting instances where they were left to fend for themselves due to overwhelmed authorities.
Despite the criticism leveled against Walz for his handling of the riots and the delayed deployment of the National Guard, some Democrats view him as a strong leader with a background in military service and education. They praise his partnership with the legislature and highlight his collaborative efforts to pass policies that benefit Minnesotans.
However, critics like Minnesota GOP Chair David Hann argue that Walz’s response to the 2020 riots was inadequate and driven by partisan motives. They believe that his reluctance to take decisive action during the unrest reflects a lack of leadership and prioritization of political interests over public safety.
As the debate over Walz’s suitability as a national leader intensifies, residents like Max Rymer continue to voice their concerns about the direction of their state and the country. The upcoming election will serve as a litmus test for the public’s confidence in Walz’s ability to lead effectively at a higher level of government.