Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz encountered a motorcade crash on his way to a campaign stop for Vice President Kamala Harris in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The incident occurred when several press vans in the motorcade collided with each other at around 1:57 p.m. ET. Fortunately, Gov. Walz, who was towards the front of the motorcade, was unharmed and carried on with the journey. However, one of his staffers sustained a broken arm and received medical treatment.
Typically, the press vans are situated at the rear of the motorcade in order to ensure the safety and security of the convoy. Roads are typically closed off when motorcades pass through to prevent other vehicles from entering the ongoing traffic. In this case, the motorcade was delayed for approximately an hour as emergency responders attended to the crash.
The cause of the crash remains unclear, but according to New York Times reporter Jazmine Ulloa, it appears that a woman driving a BMW may have been stopped on a road that should have been cleared for the motorcade. The press was then transferred to new vans, and the motorcade resumed its journey at around 2:50 p.m.
Following the incident, both Vice President Harris and President Biden reached out to Gov. Walz to check on his well-being. The Vice President’s campaign confirmed that Harris had been briefed on the collision and would continue to receive updates throughout the day. Additionally, Harris personally spoke with Gov. Walz before departing from Detroit to express her concern for him and his staff.
Motorcade crashes can be quite dangerous, and it is fortunate that Gov. Walz emerged unscathed from the incident. These types of accidents serve as a reminder of the risks involved in high-profile political events and the importance of maintaining safety protocols. The swift response of emergency responders and the concern shown by Vice President Harris and President Biden highlight the dedication and support necessary to ensure the well-being of public officials and their staff.
