In May 2020, Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz was only a year into his first term when a Minneapolis police officer killed George Floyd by kneeling on his neck. about nine minutes, spurred protests in the state and nation.
To whom Philonise FloydWalz’s compassion and dedication to ensuring accountability for his older brother’s murder and other victims of police brutality in Minnesota is part of what makes him the next vice president of the United States.
“He’s built for it,” Floyd, 43, said Friday. “He’s built for the fight he’s going to have and I think he can.”
Confirmation comes in a few days Vice President Kamala Harris touched Walz as his running mate, a decision welcomed by Democrats. Walz, who is in his second term as governor after previously serving 12 years in Congress, was introduced to voters at his first rally with Harris as a football coach. public school teacher, and a member of the Army National Guard.
Floyd said he has admired Walz’s leadership for years. After killing his brother, Floyd believes what Waltz says appointment of state attorney general Keith Ellison Leading the prosecution was a defining moment of justice, resulting in convictions for all. four officers were involved.
“At first, he was an ordinary governor, he just looked like a politician. Then he stood up and replaced Keith Ellison as the prosecutor, which showed a lot of people he wasn’t playing. He was serious,” Floyd said. “Without Governor Waltz, we wouldn’t be able to walk around and say we’re somewhat responsible.”
Then Walz made his decision to participate the April 2022 burial Daunte Wright, A 20-year-old black man fatally shot by Minnesota police convinced him that the governor was uniquely built to lead.
“I have to applaud him for taking the time to speak at his funeral,” Floyd said. “He showed what unity is. He is a family man with a good heart.”
Floyd said that when he first heard that Harris was looking for a running mate, he was surprised to hear Walz’s name in the mix. He was delighted to learn that Walz was the Democratic vice-presidential candidate.
“I have nothing bad to say about Mr. Waltz. I really want to shake his hand right now,” Floyd said. “Sometimes it’s the people you don’t see every day who give the best advice. He is ready.”
As Walz and Harris prepare for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and a whirlwind race over the next three months, Floyd said he’s ready to help in any way he can, including campaigning.
“I’m going to jump on everything about what’s going on with them,” he said.