Wife of Harris’ VP pick sparks social media buzz with surprising statement about 2020 riots

Amidst the political turmoil surrounding the 2024 Democratic presidential ticket, an unearthed clip of Gwen Walz, the wife of Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, has ignited a firestorm on social media. Mrs. Walz, who is also Minnesota’s first lady, described her experiences during the 2020 Minneapolis riots in a statement that has since gone viral.

The riots, sparked by the death of George Floyd, led to widespread protests about race and police brutality across the nation. Mrs. Walz recounted the sleepless nights she endured during the riots, noting the smell of burning tires that permeated the air. Conservative commentators were quick to criticize her remarks, with some expressing shock and others labeling her comments as bizarre, abnormal, or profoundly disturbing.

The delayed response to the riots by Governor Walz came under further scrutiny, with critics accusing him of inaction as businesses across Minneapolis and St. Paul were devastated by the destruction. Mrs. Walz acknowledged the national attention that was focused on Minnesota at the time, highlighting the pressure that came with the intense scrutiny.

As Governor Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris are thrust into the national spotlight, their handling of the 2020 crisis has come under renewed criticism. Republican leaders have been vocal in their condemnation, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis accusing Harris of inciting the violence and Walz of failing to act to prevent the destruction.

The addition of Governor Walz to the 2024 Democratic ticket has drawn further attention to his record during the 2020 riots, with Ohio Senator JD Vance remarking on the interesting dynamic of the Democratic vice presidential candidates. The events of 2020, which saw Minneapolis engulfed in flames as protests erupted in response to George Floyd’s death, have resurfaced as a focal point of the ongoing political debate.