Minneapolis, M.N. – A Republican running for Minnesota governor is calling the reaction to George Floyd’s death years ago a “national embarrassment”, and believes he should be elected to help the state move on from its past.
“This is not what Minneapolis wants to be known for,” Kendall Qualls told The Flag’s What’s On Your Mind?
It was five years ago this past Sunday that Floyd died during an encounter with police in Minneapolis, touching off violent protesting that spread nationally and across the globe.
Qualls continues to blame Governor Tim Walz for not stopping it sooner.
“This narrative that this is what Black people need to do when they get upset is a farce,” said Qualls. “It’s not only an embarrassment to Black Americans, but an embarrassment to law and order and our state.”
Listen below: Kendall Qualls on What’s On Your Mind?
In a statement marking 5 years since Floyd’s death, Walz says it was a “turning point in our nation.”
“Minnesotans raised their voices, calling for justice and real, meaningful change to prevent a murder like this from ever happening again,” wrote Walz in a statement.
But Qualls says Walz acted prematurely years ago by calling Floyd’s death a “murder”, believing it was not clear what exactly had happened leading up to Floyd’s death.
“You need to speak that is consistent with the rule of law and on behalf of all Minnesotans,” Qualls said.
Asked if President Trump should pardon ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is currently in prison in connection to Floyd’s death, Qualls said that decision is “outside of my purview.”
But Qualls did suggest that Chavin’s case could be reviewed in that regard.
“We want to make sure there’s a fair trial and that justice was served,” said Qualls. “If there’s any question that there was a verdict that was questionable, that person deserves and should get a second trial.”
