Tim Walz gets asked to clarify his comments during the debate with JD Vance, in which he said he’s friends with school shooters. Watch:
REPORTER: Can you clarify why you said you’ve befriended school shooters?
WALZ: “I’m super passionate about this!”
(No clarification was offered) pic.twitter.com/P0f0Dz4w6G [1]
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 2, 2024 [2]
Original article below:
During Tuesday night’s vice-presidential debate, Democratic candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz made a controversial statement, saying, “I’ve become friends with school shooters,” while discussing his shift in position on an assault weapons ban.
Walz: “I’ve become friends with school shooters.”
Literally everyone: pic.twitter.com/QD9zzyybWl [3]
— Caleb Hull (@CalebJHull) October 2, 2024 [4]
Walz explained that his change of heart came after meeting with families affected by the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
Walz’s remarks were in response to a question from moderator Norah O’Donnell, who asked why he had previously opposed an assault weapons ban but later changed his stance.
Walz referenced his discussions with Sandy Hook parents, which he said had a profound impact on his views regarding gun control. “I sat in that office with those Sandy Hook parents,” Walz stated. “I’ve become friends with school shooters, I’ve seen it.”
🚨#BREAKING [5]: Watch as Tim Walz shocks and confuses many when he states, ‘I’ve become friends with school shooters,’ during a heated debate with JD Vance. The unexpected remark leaves the Many people stunned and uncertain about his statement pic.twitter.com/Q7057occ7L [6]
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) October 2, 2024 [7]
The comment sparked immediate backlash. Andrew Pollack, whose daughter was killed in the 2018 Parkland school shooting, was among those who criticized Walz.
Pollack responded, “My daughter was killed in the Parkland school shooting. It’s absolutely abhorrent that Tim Walz has befriended school shooters. Disqualifying.”
My daughter was killed in the Parkland school shooting. It’s absolutely abhorrent that Tim Walz has befriended school shooters. Disqualifying. https://t.co/Q0tkhmHFAi [8]
— Andrew Pollack (@AndrewPollackFL) October 2, 2024 [9]
Walz’s debate comments also drew attention from former President Donald Trump, who took to Truth Social to mock the Minnesota governor.
Trump shared a photo of a “Trump Vance 2024” campaign sign with the words “Not friends with school shooters,” taking aim at Walz’s statement during the debate.
