Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has come under scrutiny for comments made in a resurfaced video from 2018 where he mentioned handling assault weapons 'in war.' The video, circulated by the Harris campaign, shows Walz expressing support for an assault weapons ban by referencing his experience with weapons of war. However, a spokesperson for the Harris campaign clarified that the governor misspoke in the clip and would never intend to undermine anyone's service to the country.
Walz, who served in the Army National Guard for 24 years before retiring in 2005 to run for Congress, deployed to Italy in 2003 in support of the US' efforts in Afghanistan but did not serve in a combat zone during his military service. The clarification from the Harris campaign comes in response to attacks on Walz's military record by Republicans, including GOP vice presidential nominee JD Vance, who accused the governor of 'stolen valor' and being dishonest about his service.
President Trump also weighed in on the matter at a campaign rally, indirectly referencing the attacks on Walz while praising Montana GOP Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL. The issue of military service and valor has become a point of contention in the political discourse, with accusations and counter-accusations being exchanged between different parties.
As the election season progresses, it is likely that the discussion around Governor Walz's military record will continue to be a topic of debate. The differing perspectives on his service and the interpretation of his comments regarding assault weapons highlight the complexities of political campaigns and the scrutiny that candidates face in the public eye.
