Gov. Tim Walz says he understands why Christopher Columbus statue was toppled, but there will be consequences

Gov. Tim Walz said Thursday that he doesn't condone protesters who tore down a statue of Christopher Columbus at the Minnesota Capitol, but that he understands why they did it.

"I won't condone the behavior. There will be consequences for it," Walz said at a news conference Thursday. But he also said the frustration of the American Indian Movement protesters who pulled down the statue were acting on legitimate frustration with Columbus' legacy.

Walz's remarks came after criticism from Republican legislative leaders of his administration's muted response to the statue's toppling.

https://www.startribune.com/walz-says-he-understands-why-columbus-statue-was-toppled-but-there-will-be-consequences/571193802/