NW Twin Cities

Sen. Andrew Mathews responded to Gov. Tim Walz's comment on Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's decision to call in the National Guard at the end of May, calling it "outrageous."

Walz said of Frey's decision, "I don’t think the mayor knew what he was asking for. I think the mayor said, ‘I request the National Guard, whew, this is great. We’re going to have massively  trained troops.’ No. You’re going to have 19-year-olds who are cooks in some cases,” according to Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus.

"The troops Gov. Walz calls '19-year-old cooks' walked into a chaotic situation on the evening of May 30, put themselves at risk, and successfully quelled the violence after four days of rioting," Mathews said in response, according to Michigan Senate Republican Caucus. “It is outrageous that men and women dedicated to top-tier training and protection of our nation are subjected to belittling comments from our governor. We all know people who have been deployed: Sons, daughters,  parents, siblings and friends. The Guard has been deployed around the world, are known for their skill and training, and are sworn to protect our country and our freedoms."

Mathews said Minnesotans know that Walz's response to the Minneapolis riots was an "abject failure." He said instead of accepting responsibility, Walz tried to blame the mayor, the Guard and anyone but himself.

"His insulting comments about our troops are uncalled for, outright wrong and deserving of an apology to every Guard member in this state," Mathews said.