Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has endorsed Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as a “strong choice” for the Democratic vice presidential nomination.
Crump cited Walz’s significant support following the deaths of George Floyd and Daunte Wright, according to Newsweek.
Crump praised Walz for his efforts in advocating for police reform after the tragic events involving Floyd and Wright.
“I developed a deep respect for him following George Floyd’s death. He reached out to the Floyd family on numerous occasions and later did the same for the Wright family, using his platform to support police reform legislation,” Crump noted.
Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, killed Floyd on May 25, 2020, by kneeling on his neck for over eight minutes, sparking nationwide protests and a resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Despite pressure from former President Donald Trump to deploy federal forces, Walz, a 24-year Army National Guard veteran, opposed this approach, arguing that sending the National Guard would be ineffective.
In 2021, Walz also supported the family of Daunte Wright, who was fatally shot by police during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, just 11 miles from where Floyd was killed.
Crump characterized Walz as a dedicated advocate for legislation that benefits Black communities and understands the challenges faced by ordinary people.
“He has consistently championed important legislation for our community, including measures to protect voting rights, address missing and murdered Black women, and support families in foster care,” Crump added.
During his tenure as governor, Walz signed laws banning police chokeholds and supported public safety initiatives such as mental health response teams.
Crump expressed confidence that Walz would bring the same commitment to the White House, working alongside Vice President Kamala Harris to address the needs of marginalized Americans.
The Trump campaign has reportedly expressed concerns about Walz joining Harris’s ticket, branding him as a potential “political extremist” and critiquing his policies on border control, crime, and social issues.
Additionally, Trump’s allies have criticized a recent Minnesota law requiring menstrual products in all school bathrooms and accused Walz of a delayed response during the Floyd protests.
Despite these criticisms, leaked audio from early August 2024 reveals Trump praising Walz’s handling of the protests, highlighting a complex and evolving political landscape as the 2024 election approaches.
