Tim Walz gets asked to clarify his comments during the debate with JD Vance, in which he said he’s friends with school shooters. Watch:

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During Tuesday night’s vice-presidential debate, Democratic candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz made a controversial statement, saying, “I’ve become friends with school shooters,” while discussing his shift in position on an assault weapons ban.

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Walz explained that his change of heart came after meeting with families affected by the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

Walz’s remarks were in response to a question from moderator Norah O’Donnell, who asked why he had previously opposed an assault weapons ban but later changed his stance.

Walz referenced his discussions with Sandy Hook parents, which he said had a profound impact on his views regarding gun control. “I sat in that office with those Sandy Hook parents,” Walz stated. “I’ve become friends with school shooters, I’ve seen it.”

The comment sparked immediate backlash. Andrew Pollack, whose daughter was killed in the 2018 Parkland school shooting, was among those who criticized Walz.

Pollack responded, “My daughter was killed in the Parkland school shooting. It’s absolutely abhorrent that Tim Walz has befriended school shooters. Disqualifying.”

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Walz’s debate comments also drew attention from former President Donald Trump, who took to Truth Social to mock the Minnesota governor.

Trump shared a photo of a “Trump Vance 2024” campaign sign with the words “Not friends with school shooters,” taking aim at Walz’s statement during the debate.

Truth Social Screenshot- Donald J. Trump

As Walz attempted to explain his shift on gun control, he also mentioned his prior association with the National Rifle Association (NRA).

He recalled a time when he believed the NRA was focused on gun safety, saying, “I was a NRA guy for a long time. They used to teach gun safety. I’m of an age where my shotgun was in my car so I could pheasant hunt after football practice.”

Walz’s comment about befriending school shooters left many puzzled and raised questions about what he meant.

After the debate, reporters tried to press Walz for clarification on the remark.

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However, the governor ignored questions as he was seen leaving a pizzeria.

One reporter directly asked, “Can you clarify what you meant when you said you befriended school shooters?”

Another asked about Walz’s previous claims of being in Hong Kong during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, which were debunked by reports that he was actually in Nebraska at the time.

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Despite the clear questions from reporters, Walz did not address either the school shooter comment or the Tiananmen Square discrepancy.

His silence on these issues has added to the growing criticism surrounding his debate performance and raised concerns about his transparency on key topics.

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