George Floyd’s Ex Slams Kamala Harris' VP Choice's Backlash For 2020 BLM Riots

Roxie Washington, the ex-partner of the late George Floyd, is standing firmly in support of Kamala Harris' selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice-presidential pick. 

As criticism mounts against Walz for his response to the protests sparked by Floyd's death, Washington asserts that the backlash is unwarranted. 

Roxie Washington's support comes as the debate over leadership during the protests resurfaces amid the upcoming election.

Since Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was namedas Kamala Harris' vice-presidential pick, he has faced a barrage of criticism for his delayed response during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. 

Detractors argue that Walz waited too long—18 hours—to deploy the Minnesota National Guard as riots engulfed the city following George Floyd's death. But Washington, the mother of Floyd's daughter, is standing firmly in support of the Harris-Walz ticket. 

She questions the intense backlash against Walz and expresses confusion over what more critics expected him to do during the chaotic period.

Instead, she told TMZ that her frustration is aimed at Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, whom she holds accountable for the city's failure to manage the situation.

Washington argues that Mayor Frey should have taken greater responsibility and acted more decisively to control the riots. The unrest erupted just a few miles from where George Floyd was tragically killed four years ago.

In her view, Frey's lack of action contributed more to the city's turmoil than any decisions made by Governor Walz.

Perhaps if Washington had voiced her support for Walz sooner, it might have prevented Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance from seizing on an awkward moment involving the Minnesota governor at a recent campaign rally.

During an interview with CNN's Dana Bash, Vance focused on Walz and criticized him for his "weird" behavior on stage.

The incident occurred when Vice President Harris introduced Walz as her running mate at a Philadelphia event. The Minnesota governor was then seen shaking his wife's hand before transitioning to an embrace. 

Vance, comparing this with his own affectionate display toward his wife after his first speech as the Republican VP nominee, accused the Democratic team of being out of touch.

The republican politician did not hold back when criticizing Walz by suggesting that the uncomfortable moment reflected a deeper issue, implying that both Harris and Walz are uneasy with their own policies. In his words:

"They're uncomfortable with their policy positions for the American people, And so they're name-calling instead of actually telling the American people how they're going to make their lives better. I think that's weird, Dana, but look, they can call me whatever they want to." 

When pressed on whether he believed Walz's actions indicated a lack of affection for his wife, Vance doubled down, saying that the governor "acted weird, which he did, on a national stage in front of his wife."

Vance's comments could be seen as a response to earlier Democratic attacks. Weeks before being selected as Harris' running mate, Walz had labeled both former President Donald Trump and JD Vance as "just weird" during an MSNBC interview. 

While political debates swirl, Floyd's daughter, Gianna, and her mother, are channeling their efforts into a poignant cinematic tribute to Floyd's life. 

According to PEOPLE, the pair are serving as executive producers for the upcoming film "Daddy Saved the World," which is being developed by Radar Pictures, 8 Queens Film & Media Productions, and Night Fox Entertainment.

Described as a "gritty drama," the film aims to capture both the personal and societal impact of Floyd's death. The movie is posted to portray him as a complex individual whose tragic end sparked global change. 

"We're thrilled that the world will see the true, joyful George we knew," Washington shared in the press statement. She emphasized that the film will offer a humanizing portrayal and aims to reignite momentum for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

Washington further stressed the urgency for change, stating, "No other child should lose their father like Gianna did. We thank everyone who stood with us and protested. George's legacy will live on through this film."

As the fourth somber anniversary of Floyd's tragic death approaches, a new chapter in his legacy is unfolding. The death of the 46-year-old by former police officer Derek Chauvin on May 25, 2020, ignited a global firestorm of protest and demand for racial justice.

ICYMI, the disturbing footage of Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes while the Minneapolis resident was detained for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 bill ignited widespread Black Lives Matter protests across the U.S. that summer.

Chauvin was convicted of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter in April 2021 and sentenced to over 20 years in prison. 

He later admitted to federal charges of violating Floyd's civil rights and received an additional 21-year sentence. The other three officers involved were also found guilty of civil rights violations.

As the anniversary of George Floyd's death approaches, his legacy continues to spark significant discourse, from political debates to personal tributes.