Former Police Lieutenant Criticizes Governor Walz for ‘Abandoning’ Minneapolis to Rioters

A retired Minnesota State Patrol lieutenant, John Nagel, strongly criticized Governor Tim Walz for what he believes was a deliberate abandonment of Minneapolis during the 2020 George Floyd riots. Nagel, a 30-year veteran, accused Walz of being against the police and claimed the governor intentionally allowed Minneapolis to burn as part of a larger agenda reflecting his disregard for law enforcement.

Nagel’s comments come amidst ongoing scrutiny of Walz by law enforcement officials and conservative pundits for his handling of the riots that caused extensive damage across Minneapolis. Nagel asserts that Walz’s delay in deploying the National Guard worsened the situation, resulting in significant financial losses and eroding public trust in safety measures among Minnesota’s residents.

The TRUTH!! Whoever didn’t get enough of 2020 riots should vote for Harris-Walz!! pic.twitter.com/MyGRaLrrgN

— 💥Hank💥 (@HankishTwitZone) August 11, 2024

Nagel believes that Walz’s hesitation was not just a leadership failure but a strategic move aligned with his political aspirations. Now running as a Republican candidate for the Minnesota House, Nagel alleges that Walz’s inaction stemmed from a desire to please the far-left factions advocating for police defunding and significant public safety reforms.

The former lieutenant’s rebuke extends beyond the 2020 events, highlighting a perceived anti-police stance by Walz and other Democratic leaders in the state. He pointed out the decision of the widow of Pope County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Owen, slain in the line of duty, to exclude Walz from her husband’s funeral due to the governor’s lack of support for law enforcement.

No, this is not a video from a war-torn country in the Middle East.

This is the aftermath of the Minneapolis Riots when Minnesota Governor Tim Walz allowed it to burn four consecutive nights.

This is the legacy of Kamala Harris’s new running mate. pic.twitter.com/s4qii8uUBc

— Dustin Grage (@GrageDustin) August 6, 2024

Nagel’s accusations reflect broader Republican concerns that Walz’s policies have contributed to a rise in violent crime and a general decline in public safety in Minnesota. GOP Representative Pete Stauber, representing northern Minnesota, also criticized Walz for what he views as a betrayal of Minneapolis residents by failing to safeguard their lives and properties. Stauber highlighted Walz’s description of the rioters’ actions as “righteous anger,” a statement many Republicans interpret as the governor being sympathetic to the rioters rather than the violence’s victims.

These criticisms have gained traction as Walz, now a Democratic vice-presidential candidate, campaigns on a platform that his adversaries argue is disconnected from the actual public safety issues in Minnesota. The scrutiny of Walz’s performance is expected to heighten as the 2024 election nears, with figures like Nagel and Stauber positioning themselves as proponents of law enforcement against what they perceive as Democratic shortcomings.

While Walz defended his decisions by stating that he aimed to de-escalate situations and prevent further violence, his detractors remain unconvinced. They argue that his hesitancy during the riots has left a lasting scar on the state and raised doubts about his competence in managing crises at a national level.

As Minnesota deals with the aftermath of the 2020 riots and ongoing public safety challenges, Nagel’s statements underscore the deep divisions within the state on the best approaches to maintaining order and safeguarding citizens. Whether these concerns will sway voters in the upcoming election remains uncertain, but they undoubtedly add a significant layer of controversy to Walz’s political future.