George Floyd's brother explains why he endorsed Kamala Harris-Tim Walz after intitial suprise at VP pick
HOUSTON, TEXAS: George Floyd's brother, Philonise Floyd, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov Tim Walz, noting the latter was worthy to be the United States's next VP.
"He's built for this," Philonise said on Friday, August 9, as per NBC News. "He's built for this fight that he's going to go through, and I think he can do it."
When George was killed by a Minneapolis police officer in May 2020, leading to massive riots in the city, Walz was only a year into his term as governor.
The significant endorsement came days after Harris picked the governor to be the running mate. Before winning the gubernatorial election in 2018, Walz was a congressman for 12 years; prior to his public service, he was a football coach, teacher, and Army National Guard member.
Philonise Floyd highlights Tim Walz's commitment to holding those accountable for his brother's murder
The younger Floyd brother substantiated his support for the Harris-Walz ticket, emphasizing the governor's leadership over the years. According to him, Walz appointing state Attorney General Keith Ellison as the lead prosecutor resulted in the convictions against all four officers involved in his older brother's murder.
"At first, he was just a regular governor, just looking like a politician. Then, he stood up and he put Keith Ellison in place as the prosecutor, and that showed a lot of people he was not playing. He was serious," Philonise said. "If it wasn't for Gov Walz, we would not be able to walk around and say that we got some accountability."
He added that the Democrat running mate's decision to take part in the funeral of Daunte Wright in April 2022 cemented his unique leadership. Wright, 20, was shot and killed by a Minnesota police officer.
Philonise noted that Walz taking time out and speaking at the funeral displayed unity and his role as a "family man with a good heart."
Philonise Floyd ecstatic to learn Tim Walz's selection as Kamala Harris' VP pick
Despite his initial surprise to learn Walz was considered for Harris' running mate position, the younger Floyd brother was elated to learn he was the final pick for the Democratic ticket.
"Mr Walz, I can't say anything bad about him. I really just want to shake his hand right now," Philonise said. "Sometimes, it's the people that you don't see everyday, those are the people that have the best advice. He's ready."
He further added he was open to helping the Harris-Walz ticket in any way, including the campaign trail.
Regardless of the last-minute entry into the 2024 race to face former President Donald Trump and his VP pick, JD Vance Harris and Walz amassed massive crowds at their rallies in recent days, including campaign stops in Philadelphia, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Arizona.
