Minnesota governor Tim Walz’ slip of the tongue could not have come at the worst time. The venue was a debate on school shootings and in the debate, Tim’s gaffe that he had become friends with school shooters caused a huge ruckus on social media.
However, he quickly made amends by stating his emotional experiences with victims’ families and his emphasis on gun control and school security.
However, the damage was done and what followed was a slew of bad comments and condemnation on social media.
Tim Walz Faces Backlash After Debate Blunder; Claims Friendship with School Shooters
In a vice presidential debate, Democratic candidate Tim Walz was being asked about his stance on gun control.
To this Vance replied,
He had “become friends with school shooters”
His response evoked sharp reactions on social media with some netizens questioning his mental state.
Walz realized his gaffe and made amends and said that he preferred stricter gun laws and pointed to Finland’s model for reducing gun violence.
He also highlighted mental health issues as a root cause of the crisis. Walz also talked about his personal gun experience and recounted how after football practice, he will pheasant hunting with a rifle in the back of his car.
The huge ruckus caused on social media was soon joined by Donald Trump who criticized Vance’s off the cuff remarks.
Trump took to his social media network, Truth Social and stated,
“Did Tampon Tim just say he has “become friends with school shooters?” He isn’t even qualified to be Governor, let alone Vice President. Walz and Kamala DO NOT HAVE WHAT IT TAKES!”
In another post, Trump said of Walz, “Second time he has said, “I’ve been friends with school shooters.” What does he mean by this? Is he insane? It’s abhorrent’.
Andrew Pollack, Father of a young girl who was killed in the shooting shared a video of Walz commenting.
Andrew Pollack wrote,
“My daughter was killed in the Parkland school shooting. It’s absolutely abhorrent that Tim Walz has befriended school shooters. Disqualifying.”
Another netizens posted,
“Tim Walz is a disgrace. I hope they do not replace him because we need Trump more than ever.”
“I hope to hell he misspoke — I heard that and was aghast,” one user said, while another wrote, “Walz is a complete embarrassment.”
A third user stated, “Walz is a total nutcase. On this day, October 1, 2024, Tim Waltz lost the election,”
However, Vance also found some sympathetic voices.
One user commented,
“Clip taken out of context, I dont think that’s what he meant. Sorry about your daughter tho,”
