Well, folks, it seems Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s Labor Day campaign stop didn’t go quite as smoothly as planned.
While heading to a LaborFest event in Wisconsin, several vehicles in Walz’s motorcade were involved in a minor crash, leaving some staffers and members of the press with a few bumps and bruises. Luckily, the injuries were reported to be minor, but the incident certainly shook things up on what was supposed to be a routine campaign trip.
Walz addressed the accident at the event, expressing relief that everyone was okay. “Some of you might have heard, some of my staff and members of the press that were traveling with us were involved in a traffic accident on the way here today,” he said. “I’m relieved to say that with a few minor injuries, everybody’s going to be okay. So thank you.”
Campaign race rush: Tim Walz’s motorcade involved in collision – reports
A motorcade carrying Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz was involved in a car crash Monday afternoon. Vans transporting members of the press collided on Interstate 794 just before 1 p.m. as the… pic.twitter.com/B1RivEQRdC
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) September 2, 2024
He also mentioned that both Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden—who were out campaigning together on Monday—called to check in, showing their concern for the well-being of everyone involved. Walz made sure to give a shoutout to the U.S. Secret Service and local first responders, thanking them for their quick action at the scene.
Details about the crash are still a bit murky, but according to a pool reporter traveling with the motorcade, the accident happened just before 1 p.m., when the vehicles were en route from the airport to LaborFest. The crash involved vans near the back of the motorcade, with reports indicating that one staff member appeared to have suffered a broken arm. The reporter described the impact, saying, “We were violently thrown forward, as our van slammed into the one in front of us and was hit from behind.” While everyone else seemed shaken up, they appeared to be in okay condition.
From the pool in Milwaukee with Walz:
“Several cars in the Walz motorcade crashed at about 12:57 p.m. — just a moment after I sent the last pool report. A staff member in our press van appears to have a broken arm and is being treated by medics. Everyone else is shaken but…
— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) September 2, 2024
After his speech at LaborFest, Walz made a point to visit the injured staffers at the hospital, showing that despite the chaos, he was committed to checking in on his team. While the cause of the crash remains unknown, it’s clear that this incident added an unexpected twist to an otherwise typical day on the campaign trail.
Meanwhile, while Walz was dealing with the aftermath of the accident, Harris was out making her rounds in Pittsburgh and Detroit, continuing her campaign efforts. No doubt, the crash put a damper on Walz’s plans, but the quick recovery of his team and the support from his fellow Democrats helped keep the show on the road.
