This is the moment Tim Walz ignored reporters’ questions to clarify his bizarre claim that he had “befriended school shooters” while grabbing 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 examined pizza options before finally settling on a slice with sausage, he appeared to ignore reporters’ questions about the astonishing claim he made while at the podium.
A video posted on
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 a claim made during the vice presidential debate that he had “school shooter friends.”
Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks during a debate with Republican vice presidential candidate US Senator JD Vance.
It comes after the vice presidential candidate made a shocking revelation during last night’s debate, moments after advocating for gun control reforms.
“I’ve made friends with school shooters,” he said.
The admission was in response to a question about why Walz had changed his position and now supports an assault weapons ban.
Walz also said he met with parents from the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
The Democrat said: ‘I met in that office with the parents from Sandy Hook. I’ve made friends with school shooters, I’ve seen it.
“Look, the NRA, I was a member of the NRA for a long time,” he continued. ‘They used to teach gun safety. I’m at the age where my shotgun was in my car so I could hunt pheasants after football practice.’
It is not clear what exactly he meant or whether he made a mistake.
The strange statement immediately earned him the scorn of gunshot victims.
It even sparked a reaction from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who wrote in Truth Social: “Did Tampon Tim just say he’s befriended school shooters?”
‘He’s not even qualified to be governor, much less vice president. Walz and Kamala don’t have what it takes!’
His strange comments came after he said his 17-year-old son Gus had witnessed a tragedy.
“I have a 17-year-old boy who 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 slice of sausage pizza. He was accompanied by his wife Gwen.
Walz was greeted by fans as he left the Manhattan pizzeria.
‘I didn’t know that my 17-year-old son witnessed a shooting. I’m sorry about that. Christ have mercy. “That’s horrible,” said the Republican.
The rare moment of bipartisan agreement came a little more than an hour after the vice presidential debate, where the two had spoken.
Reporters also asked: “Why did you say you were in Hong Kong when reports say you weren’t?”
During the debate, Walz also attempted to explain why he had falsely claimed to be in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square protests in June 1989.
The vice presidential candidate attempted to dismiss his comment as a product of being a ‘fool,’ but ultimately admitted 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 that Walz did not leave for China until August. The protests began in the spring of 1989 and ended in early June.
While out for pizza, Walz was greeted by a crowd of fans chanting, “Let’s go, coach,” as he left the food joint.
The clips also showed the Minnesota governor taking time to chat with reporters and members of the pizzeria staff.