Friday, April 23, 2021
This week, the entire world watched as Minnesota awaited the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, while mourning the death of Daunte Wright at the hands of law enforcement.
While the trial of Derek Chauvin ended in justice for George Floyd in the courtroom, we know that full justice won’t be achieved until all Minnesotans feel safe and the relationship between law enforcement and our communities heals.
The Governor will continue to work to pass police reform legislation in our state.
On Tuesday, Governor Walz released the following statement in response to the verdict reached in the trial of Derek Chauvin:
“Today’s verdict is an important step forward for justice in Minnesota. The trial is over, but our work has only begun.”
“The world watched on May 25, 2020 as George Floyd died with a knee on his neck for nearly nine minutes.”
“Thousands of Minnesotans marched in the streets last summer in the wake of his death—inspiring a movement around the globe. While many of these people never met George, they valued his humanity. They knew what happened was wrong. They called for change, and they demanded justice.”
“A year later, Derek Chauvin has been found guilty of murder and faces years behind bars.”
“But we know that accountability in the courtroom is only the first step.”
“No verdict can bring George back, and my heart is with his family as they continue to grieve his loss. Minnesota mourns with you, and we promise the pursuit of justice for George does not end today.”
“True justice for George only comes through real, systemic change to prevent this from happening again. And the tragic death of Daunte Wright this week serves as a heartbreaking reminder that we still have so much more work to do to get there.”
“Too many Black people have lost—and continue to lose—their lives at the hands of law enforcement in our state.”
“Our communities of color cannot go on like this. Our police officers cannot go on like this. Our state simply cannot go on like this. And the only way it will change is through systemic reform.”
“We must rebuild, restore, and reimagine the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. We must tackle racial inequities in every corner of society—from health to home ownership to education. We must come together around our common humanity.”
“Let us continue on this march towards justice.”
Governor Walz Calls for Moment of Silence for Daunte Wright
On Thursday, Governor Walz issued a proclamation asking Minnesotans to spend two minutes in silence to honor Daunte Wright from 12:00 – 12:02 p.m. to mark the start of his funeral service.
“Daunte Wright was beloved by his family, neighbors, and community, and had his entire young life ahead of him. We mourn the loss of Daunte Wright, and as a state we offer our deepest condolences to the Wright family,” reads the proclamation issued by Governor Walz. “We know that this tragedy is connected to the deep, systemic racism in our society that Black people in Minnesota and across the country face every single day. While nothing can bring Daunte Wright back to his loved ones, we must continue to work to enact real, meaningful change at the local, state, and national levels to fight systemic racism so that every person in Minnesota – Black, Indigenous, Brown, or White – can be safe and thrive. We must be steadfast in our accountability to change from the top to the bottom, and not rest until we create a different future for Daunte Wright’s son, and every other child like him.”
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After Governor Tim Walz sent a letter calling for action, the Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board moved proposals to create uniform standards in how law enforcement responds to protests and prohibiting peace officers from affiliating with extremist organizations.
“Minnesota cannot let this moment pass without taking immediate action to increase accountability and trust in policing,” said Governor Walz. “I asked the POST Board to take bold action on police reform, and they made critical changes. I’m proud of the steps they have taken to raise the bar for police accountability in Minnesota."
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On Wednesday, Governor Walz released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Justice’s investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department:
“Following the murder of George Floyd, I called for investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department. Last June, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights took up that call, immediately launched a civil rights investigation, and obtained a groundbreaking temporary restraining order against the Minneapolis Police Department and the City of Minneapolis. The state’s investigation continues and, now, under the leadership of President Biden and Attorney General Garland the United States Department of Justice is also answering the call. I welcome the federal government’s involvement in this important work, and I look forward to reviewing the results of both investigations as we work to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.”
Governor Walz Statement on the Death of Vice President Walter Mondale
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 “Today, Minnesota and the nation mourn the loss of a beloved public servant. Gwen and I mourn the loss of a dear friend and mentor.”
“Walter Mondale believed in and worked to create a nation with a heart, a soul, and a conscience. He believed that the greatness of America is found in the everyday men and women who build our nation, do its work, and defend its freedoms. And he fought tirelessly for those values until the very end of his life, imploring each of us through his example to continue the fight.”
“We will miss terribly Fritz Mondale, the steady voice and vision setter for ideas great and small, people powerful and powerless, and justice waiting to be revealed.”
On Monday, Governor Walz ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota until sunset on the day of the interment of former Vice President Walter Frederick Mondale, to honor his life and legacy.
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Mobile vaccination units will serve communities statewide through the summer
The Walz-Flanagan Administration announced the launch of mobile vaccination units this week to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to communities throughout the state of Minnesota. The mobile units are a key tool to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines, prioritize vulnerable and underserved communities, and reduce barriers to vaccination by going directly to communities.
“The mobile vaccination units are another example of the targeted strategies we’re using to better serve communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including Black, Latinx, Asian Pacific Islander, and Native communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “These partnerships with community organizations help us make sure we are reaching people with the greatest need and providing vaccination opportunities that not only remove barriers but offer vaccines in a trusted and convenient location.”
Have you signed up for Minnesota's COVID-19 Vaccine Connector?
Find out when, where, and how to get your shot
The Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector is a tool that helps Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine. After you fill out a simple form, the Vaccine Connector will connect you to resources to schedule a vaccine appointment and notify you if there are vaccine opportunities in your area.
Minnesotans can sign up at mn.gov/vaccineconnector. Minnesotans unable to sign up online can call 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone. Translation is available by phone in all languages. Minnesotans can call the translation hotline at 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone.
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