A Minnesota business owner who closed down his Minneapolis bar due to financial devastation from the coronavirus pandemic and crime has sharply criticized Governor Tim Walz (D-MN), calling him an "evil person" for his handling of COVID-19 and crime.
Greg Urban, the owner of Wild Greg's Saloon, was forced to shutter his Minneapolis bar when it could not rebound after COVID-19 lockdowns eased. He lambasted Governor Walz for his "heavy-handed restrictions," including lockdowns and mask mandates, which he believes stifled businesses and undermined personal freedoms.
Urban pointed to the economic toll the pandemic took on his business, stating that while his locations in other cities recovered quickly, Minneapolis remained in decline. He accused Walz of providing no roadmap for businesses to navigate the post-lockdown period.
Minnesota Business Owner Slams Walz as "Total and Complete Failure" in Handling COVID and Crime
The business owner also slammed Walz's handling of crime in Minneapolis, arguing that the city became a haven for criminals and rioters. He described patrons being afraid to visit downtown due to rampant muggings and vandalism, while police failed to respond promptly to calls.
"It was a very troubling time, and Tim Walz refused to provide any state resources, state police, things other cities — such as maybe Austin, Texas, for example — had some help from the state," Urban said.
Minnesota Business Owner Slams Walz as "Total and Complete Failure" in Handling COVID and Crime
Urban criticized Walz for his hypocrisy, noting that the governor's recent comments on personal freedoms contradict his own actions during the pandemic. He accused Walz of being "more radical left than Gavin Newsom" (D-CA), despite the perception of Walz as a more moderate Democrat.
Urban's scathing rebuke comes as Walz's handling of both COVID-19 and crime scrutiny amid his selection as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate in the 2024 election. The criticism adds to the growing chorus of opposition to Walz's leadership, with critics calling his record a "failure" and a "low point" in Minnesota's history.
Minnesota Business Owner Slams Walz as "Total and Complete Failure" in Handling COVID and Crime
Walz's office did not respond to Fox News' request for comment. Despite his opponents' attacks, Walz remains a popular figure in Minnesota, with a 53% approval rating according to a recent poll. His supporters point to his handling of the pandemic and other issues as evidence of his strong leadership.
