National Guard report says Tim Walz did not carry war weapons
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the chosen vice presidential candidate for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, has come under fire for his recent comments about wanting to ban guns that he carried in war. Walz, who served a quarter of a century in the National Guard, made the controversial statement during a speech, saying, “We can make sure those weapons of war that I carried in war are only carried in war.”
A video capturing Walz’s statement has circulated, sparking debate and criticism. Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Behrends, who claimed to be a member of Walz’s battalion, condemned the governor’s remarks, calling into question the authenticity of Walz’s military service.
Behrends emphasized the gravity of carrying weapons in combat zones and getting combat pay, insinuating that Walz may have misrepresented his military experience. Questions have arisen about the specific wars Walz may have participated in, as there are discrepancies in his military records regarding deployments to Iraq or Afghanistan.
Walz’s decision to retire from the National Guard before his unit received deployment orders to Iraq has raised suspicions about the timing of his departure. The Minnesota National Guard clarified that Walz’s battalion was stationed in Europe for training purposes rather than direct combat missions.
As Walz gears up to run alongside Kamala Harris in the upcoming election, his opponents have seized upon his military service history as a point of contention. JD Vance, the running mate of former President Donald Trump, accused Walz of abandoning his unit before they were deployed to Iraq, further intensifying the scrutiny on Walz’s military background.
Despite these allegations and criticisms, Walz’s nomination as the Democratic vice presidential candidate stands, setting the stage for a heated political showdown in the upcoming general election. As voters weigh the candidates’ qualifications and policy platforms, controversies surrounding Walz’s military service are likely to remain a point of contention.
