Coach praises Tim Walz’s son for helping protect other kids after shooting
MINNEAPOLIS– When the issue of gun violence came up during the vice presidential debate, the governor of Minnesota decided. Tim Walz had a personal story to tell: his teenage son Gus had been at a sports center last year when a shooting took place.
Gus Walz was playing volleyball at the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center in St. Paul on the afternoon of Jan. 18, 2023, when a 16-year-old was shot and seriously injured outside.
It wasn’t the first time Tim Walz has spoken about his son’s encounter with gun violence, and the shooting itself was highly publicized locally. But the Democrat’s comments Tuesday evening during his debate with the Republican J.D. Vance, With the public still getting to know both vice presidential candidates, this provided the biggest stage yet to personalize an issue that has deeply affected many American families.
On Wednesday, youth volleyball coach David Albornoz praised Gus in an interview with The Associated Press for helping to get other children to safety and keeping them calm amid the chaotic scene.
“I was impressed with Gus and the kids in general and how they handled it,” Albornoz said. “Gus stayed with the kids like he had to.”
The shooting occurred as Walz and Vance debated gun violence.
“Well, I think all the parents are watching tonight, this is your worst nightmare,” Walz said. “Look, I have a 17-year-old and he witnessed a shooting at a community center while he was playing volleyball. Those things don’t let you go.”
Gus didn’t see the shooting itself, but he did witness the aftermath, said Albornoz, who is also an aquatic facilities supervisor for St. Paul Parks. He said Gus, among other things, saw Albornoz with blood on his hands while administering first aid to the victim.
Walz briefly brought up the shooting at a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on September 12, when he accused Vance and his running mate, former President Donald Trump, of minimizing gun violence in schools.
“My own son was at a location where someone was shot in the head. Too many of us have this,” the governor told the crowd.
Walz also mentioned it in one interview with Minnesota Public Radio in March, when he said Gus was still dealing with his feelings a year later.
“He was there with little kids, smaller kids. He had some kind of supervision. He shook them under the stands,” Walz told MPR.
Albornoz broadly supported the governor’s version, although he recalled Gus taking the children to the pool, where they waited behind closed doors until the all clear.
Gus gained national attention during his father’s speech at the Democratic National Convention in August, when he was caught on camera standing tall with tears streaming down his face. In a viral moment, Gus pointed to his father and exclaimed, “That’s my father!”
After Guus got some ridicule before that, Albornoz posted a tribute on Facebook, saying they met when the teenager sought him out to manage a volleyball team. He called Gus a “boy who has been thrown into the strife and turmoil of our current divided and divisive political landscape and who deserves love and respect as he navigates his senior year.” He remembered how she and other kids would often go out for tacos after the game.
“I also know him from when a kid got shot in the parking lot and he helped keep everyone safe and calm, taking care of the kids in the gym with us while I ran outside,” he wrote in August.
On Wednesday, Albornoz said Gus is just an ordinary teenager suddenly thrust into the national spotlight.
“He’s a normal kid in extraordinary circumstances,” the coach said.
In February, a judge sentenced Exavir Binford Jr., a recreation center employee, to more than 10 years for shooting JuVaughn Turner. Binford pleaded guilty to first-degree assault in exchange for the attempted murder charge being dropped. Prosecutors say Binford shot Turner in the head during an altercation involving her and other teens. Turner’s family is now suing the city, saying he suffered permanent brain damage. They claim the city knew he had a history of violent behavior and threats against minors. The city has moved to dismiss the lawsuit, saying Binford was not acting within his official duties and had no police powers when he shot Turner.
Tuesday night, after Walz brought up the shooting, Vance expressed his condolences.
“Tim, first of all, I didn’t know your 17-year-old witnessed a shooting, and I’m sorry. Christ, have mercy. It’s horrible,” Vance said.
“I appreciate that,” Walz replied.