This is the moment Tim Walz ignored questions by reporters to clarify his bizarre claim that he had ‘become friends with school shooters’ as he grabbed a bite to eat in New York following last night’s vice presidential debate.
The Minnesota governor stopped by Justino’s pizza shop in Manhattan alongside his wife Gwen after coming face to face with republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance.
But while Kamala Harris’ running mate browsed through the pizza options before finally settling on a slice with sausage, he seemed to ignore questions from reporters regarding the jaw-dropping claim he had made while on the podium.
A video posted on X shows the moment a reporter asks the vice presidential nominee: ‘Can you clarify what you meant when you said you befriended school shooters?’
But Walz doesn’t turn around to answer the question, and continues looking at the pizza options on display.
Tim Walz ignored reporters last night when asked to clarify claim made during the vice presidential debate that he had ‘friends with school shooters’
Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks during a debate with Republican vice presidential nominee U.S. Senator JD Vance
It comes after the vice presidential nominee made an astonishing disclosure during last night’s debate moments after he advocated for gun control reforms.
‘I’ve become friends with school shooters’, he said.
The admission was in response to a question regarding why Walz had changed positions and now supports bans on assault weapons.
Walz also said he met with the parents of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting as well.
The Democrat said: ‘I met in that office with Sandy Hook parents. I’ve become friends with school shooters, I’ve seen it.’
‘Look, the NRA, I was an NRA guy for a long time,’ he went on. ‘They used to teach gun safety. I am of an age where my shotgun was in my car so I could pheasant hunt after football practice.’
It is unclear what point exactly he was trying to make or if he misspoke.
The strange claim earned him scorn of shooting victims immediately.
It even triggered a reaction from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump who wrote on Truth Social: ‘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!’
His bizarre comments came after he recounted that his 17-year-old son Gus had witnessed a tragedy himself.
‘I got a 17-year-old and he witnessed a shooting at a community center playing volleyball’, he said during the debate. ‘Those things don’t leave you.’
Vance was shocked by the story and immediately offered his condolences.
Tim Walz relaxed after last night’s debate with a slice of New York pizza
The politician opted for a sausage pizza slice. He was accompanied by his wife Gwen
Walz was greeted by supporters as he exited the Manhattan pizza shop
‘I didn’t know your 17-year-old witnessed a shooting. I’m sorry about that. Christ have mercy. That is awful,’ the Republican said.
The rare moment of bipartisan agreement came just over an hour into the vice presidential debate where the two had been sparing with each other.
Reporters also asked: ‘Why did you say you were in Hong Kong when reports say you weren’t?’
During the debate Walz also tried to explain why he had falsely claimed that he was in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square protests in June 1989.
The vice presidential nominee tried to dismiss his comment as the product of being a ‘knucklehead’, but ultimately conceded that he ‘misspoke’ when pressed by the CBS debate moderator.
Walz repeatedly claimed throughout his political career that he was in China during the protests, but reports from Minnesota Public Radio revealed Walz did not leave for China until August. The protests began in the Spring of 1989 and ended in early June.
While out on his pizza run, Walz was greeted by cheering crowds of supporters who chanted ‘Let’s go Coach’, as he exited the food spot.
Clips also showed the Minessota governor taking the time to chat to reporters and members of staff at the pizza shop.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
