A former bar owner lambasts Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for his handling of the 2020 riots, tying the destruction of his business directly to the governor's delayed response.
The New York Post reported that Bill Hupp, once the owner of the nearly century-old Hexagon Bar in Minneapolis, has publicly criticized Governor Tim Walz’s handling of the George Floyd riots in 2020. After the recent announcement of Walz's selection as VP candidate alongside Kamala Harris, Hupp's outrage has resurged, casting a harsh light on Walz's crisis management.
Hexagon Bar, located in Minneapolis's Seward neighborhood, became one of the many businesses impacted during the violent unrest.
On May 28, 2020, rioters targeting the bar threw projectiles and blocked exits, instilling fear among those trapped inside, including Hupp and his son.
Amid the chaos, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey requested the assistance of 600 National Guard troops. However, Governor Walz, who served 24 years in the National Guard, delayed his decision. It took him 18 hours to deploy just 100 troops, as Hupp’s establishment faced increasing threats.
That critical delay, according to Hupp, showcased egregious leadership failure. “It's just complete neglect of the people you are supposed to represent,” Hupp stated, clearly frustrated by the lack of immediate action from Walz’s administration.
The situation outside the bar escalated until the early morning hours of May 29, 2020. Rioters used Molotov cocktails to set the bar ablaze.
Hupp described the terrifying moment: “We thought they were going to kill us. They pretty much kidnapped us,” referring to how rioters blocked their escape paths.
Despite the severity of the attack, the response was lacking. “I didn’t have a drop of water put on my place. Not a drop of water for those three and a half days!” Hupp recalled. The aftermath left nothing but charred brick walls — the Hexagon Bar was destroyed.
Hupp’s bitter recount of the events is filled with accusations of negligence and poor decision-making by Walz, whom he now views as negligent in his duties during a crucial time of need. “It completely burned my place exactly to the ground,” he lamented.
Hupp's discontent is palpable as he refers to Walz’s actions, or lack thereof, during the riots. “He could have called [the guardsmen] in [but] he didn’t... It’s [a] complete loss of leadership, totally," he expressed. Disappointment and anger underscore Hupp’s perspective on Walz’s performance during the crisis.
This harsh criticism comes at a critical time for Walz, now a Vice Presidential candidate, bringing questions about his past leadership decisions into current political debates. Hupp goes as far as calling Walz a “criminal” and critiquing his leadership skills sharply.
“He should have never been in the position he was in,” Hupp stated, concluding his critique of Governor Walz's handling of the riots. His sentiments echo a profound disenchantment with political leadership amidst crisis, reflecting broader concerns as Walz enters a national political stage.
In conclusion, the destruction of Hexagon Bar is not just a tale of loss but a critical lens through which the effectiveness of gubernatorial crisis management is scrutinized.
Hupp’s intense criticism outlines deep-seated issues with response times, decision-making, and leadership during one of Minnesota's most turbulent periods. As Walz steps onto the national political arena as VP nominee, these criticisms underscore challenges he may face from public opinion regarding his past leadership roles.