The Italian American Civil Rights League (IACRL) has launched a scathing critique against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was recently announced as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate. The IACRL accused Walz of being "an enemy of the Italian American Community," citing his response to the toppling of a Christopher Columbus statue as evidence of his alleged disdain for Italian-American heritage.
In a pointed Thursday post on X, IACRL board member Mike Crispi did not hold back in his condemnation of Walz. “Tim Walz is an enemy of the Italian American Community,” Crispi declared. “He has a long history of being in favor of erasing our culture. He strongly has supported the removal of Christopher Columbus statues.” Crispi further described Walz’s actions as "racism" and demanded his withdrawal from the 2024 election.
The IACRL's statement criticized Walz for permitting "roving mobs of left-wing criminals" to demolish the statue of Christopher Columbus. The statement denounced the governor's failure to act, claiming that under his leadership, violence erupted, including the deaths of two people, the burning of a police station, and extensive property damage. The IACRL accused Walz of negligence and called the attack on the Columbus statue—a prominent symbol of Italian-American identity—a "flagrant hate crime."
Crispi’s remarks also took aim at Walz's broader governance, labeling his tenure as "the most disgraceful record of any governor in the last decade." He argued that Walz's inaction during the riots and the Columbus statue incident exemplified a broader trend of “cultural Marxism run amok,” accusing him of acquiescing to radical groups and undermining Italian-American culture.
The criticism is rooted in the historical significance of Columbus Day, which was established to combat anti-Italian sentiment in the United States. The IACRL’s defense of Columbus and their disapproval of Walz’s policies underscore ongoing debates about historical monuments and their role in American cultural and political life.
As Walz continues his campaign as Harris’ running mate, the backlash from the IACRL highlights a deepening divide over issues of cultural heritage and political leadership.
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