This is the moment Tim Walz ignored reporters’ questions to clarify his bizarre claim that he “became friends with school shooters” as he grabbed a bite to eat in New York after last night’s vice presidential debate.
The Minnesota governor stopped by Justino’s pizzeria in Manhattan with his wife Gwen after coming face to face with Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance.
But as Kamala Harris’ running mate browsed the pizza options before finally settling on a piece of sausage, he appeared to ignore reporters’ questions about the stunning claim he made while on stage.
A video on
But Walz doesn’t turn around to answer the question and continues to look at the pizza options on display.
Tim Walz ignored reporters last night when asked to clarify the claim made during the vice presidential debate that he was ‘friends with school shooters’
Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks during a debate with Republican vice presidential candidate U.S. Senator J.D. Vance
It comes after the vice presidential candidate made a stunning revelation during last night’s debate, moments after advocating for gun control reforms.
“I’ve become friends with school shooters,” he said.
The admission was in response to a question about why Walz had changed his position and now supports a ban on assault weapons.
Walz also said he also met with the parents of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
The Democrat said, “I met the Sandy Hook parents in that office. I’ve been friends with school shooters, I’ve seen it.”
“Look, the NRA, I’ve been an NRA guy for a long time,” he continued. “They taught gun safety. I’m at the age where I kept my shotgun in my car so I could go pheasant hunting after football practice.”
It is unclear exactly what point he was trying to make and whether he was mistaken.
The strange claim immediately earned him contempt for shooting victims.
It even prompted a response from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who wrote on Truth Social: “Did Tampon Tim just say he ‘became friends with school shooters.'”
“He’s not even qualified to be governor, let alone vice president. Walz and Kamala don’t have what it takes!’
His bizarre comments came after he said 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 while he was playing volleyball,” he said during the debate. “Those things won’t let you go.”
Vance was shocked by the story and immediately expressed his condolences.
Tim Walz relaxed with a slice of New York pizza after last night’s debate
The politician opted for a piece of sausage pizza. He was accompanied by his wife Gwen
Walz was greeted by supporters as he left the Manhattan pizzeria
“I didn’t know your 17-year-old witnessed a shooting. I’m sorry about that. Christ have mercy. That’s terrible,” the Republican said.
The rare moment of bipartisan agreement came just over an hour into the vice-presidential debate, during which the two had been sparing with each other.
Reporters also asked, “Why did you say you were in Hong Kong when reports said you were not?”
During the debate, Walz also attempted to explain why he falsely claimed he was in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square protests in June 1989.
The vice presidential candidate tried to dismiss his comment as the product of a “knucklehead” but ultimately admitted he “made a mistake” when pressed by the CBS debate moderator.
Walz repeatedly claimed during his political career that he was in China during the protests, but reports from Minnesota Public Radio indicated that Walz did not leave for China until August. The protests began in the spring of 1989 and ended in early June.
While eating pizza, Walz was greeted by cheering crowds of supporters chanting “Let’s go Coach” as he left the eatery.
Excerpts also showed Minessota’s governor taking time to speak with reporters and staff members at the pizzeria.