A retired Minnesota State Patrol lieutenant, John Nagel, has launched sharp criticism at Gov. Tim Walz, accusing him of deliberately allowing Minneapolis to burn during the 2020 riots due to his alleged disdain for law enforcement.

Nagel, who is campaigning for a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives, made his allegations against Walz allegations while discussing the state's response to the 2020 civil unrest following the death of George Floyd, as Fox News reports.

According to Nagel, Gov. Walz’s handling of the riots, particularly his delayed decision to deploy the National Guard, was a calculated move driven by political motives rather than public safety concerns.

Nagel claimed that this delay allowed the city to suffer extensive damage and that it reflected a deeper animosity towards law enforcement from both Walz and other state officials.

Nagel's Criticism Includes Defunding Allegations

Nagel further accused Walz of supporting efforts to defund the police, a movement that gained traction in Minneapolis in 2020. He pointed to Walz's public backing of "alternatives to policing" as evidence of the governor's anti-police stance. The retired officer argued that these policies have not only weakened law enforcement but have also endangered public safety across Minnesota.

In a notable moment, Nagel referenced the decision by the widow of Pope County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Owen not to invite Walz to her late husband’s funeral.

Owen, who was killed in the line of duty, had a family that reportedly felt abandoned by the governor due to his perceived lack of support for law enforcement. Nagel used this instance to illustrate what he described as widespread dissatisfaction with Walz among police officers and their families.

Governor's Response to Riots Sparks Controversy

Nagel's critique also extended to the broader response to the 2020 riots, which erupted after the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. He echoed sentiments from GOP Rep. Pete Stauber, who criticized Walz for characterizing the riots as “righteous anger.”

Stauber and Nagel argued that this stance, combined with the governor's inaction, contributed to the widespread destruction in Minneapolis.

The accusations against Walz are part of a larger narrative that emerged during the unrest, wherein the Minnesota City Council also faced backlash for its push to disband the police department. Nagel contended that Walz's failure to act swiftly during the riots was a political decision made to align with the growing calls for police reform.

Nagel Alleges Broader Anti-Police Agenda

Nagel did not stop at criticizing Walz's actions during the riots. He accused the governor and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison of harboring a longstanding dislike of the police, claiming that their involvement with groups advocating for defunding the police was indicative of a broader anti-law enforcement agenda.

"He truly doesn’t like the police," Nagel asserted, suggesting that this sentiment influenced the governor's response to the unrest.

He went on to describe Walz as untruthful and power-hungry, arguing that the governor’s decisions were driven by self-interest rather than a genuine concern for the public good.

Impact of Walz's Policies on Minnesota

Nagel’s criticism extended beyond the events of 2020, as he argued that Walz's policies have had long-term detrimental effects on Minnesota. He claimed that the governor's stance on law enforcement, combined with his other policies, is "hurting Minnesota" and has prompted some residents to leave the state.

The retired lieutenant accused Walz of dismantling public safety in Minnesota and questioned the governor’s ability to handle crises at both the state and national levels. Nagel warned that if Walz were to assume a higher office, his decisions could have far-reaching negative consequences for the country.

Conclusion: Nagel’s Accusations Reflect Broader Concerns

John Nagel’s allegations against Gov. Tim Walz highlight the ongoing debate over law enforcement and public safety in Minnesota. His critique, centered on the governor’s handling of the 2020 riots and his alleged anti-police stance, reflects broader concerns about the direction of the state under Democratic leadership.

As Nagel campaigns for a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives, his statements are likely to resonate with voters who share his concerns about the future of public safety in the state.

Nagel’s accusations also underscore the deep divisions within Minnesota over how to address issues of policing and public safety. As the state continues to grapple with these challenges, the debate over Walz's actions during the 2020 riots and their aftermath remains a focal point of political discourse.