Minnesota Governor Tim Walz emerged as a national figure this week after being chosen by Vice President Kamala Harris as her running mate for the 2024 election against former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance.
His background quickly became a topic of scrutiny, especially after a booking photo acquired by Fox News Digital surfaced, showing the new vice presidential candidate shortly after a 1995 arrest in Nebraska for speeding and suspected DUI.
The Dawes County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Walz was arrested on September 23, 1995, after state troopers stopped him on suspicion of driving under the influence.
KAMALA HARRIS’ VP PICK TIM WALZ IN THE SPOTLIGHT DUE TO PAST DUI CHARGE IN NEBRASKA
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential candidate, in a 1995 booking photo following a DUI arrest in Dawes County, Nebraska. (Dawes County Sheriffs Office)
Court documents indicate that Walz, who was 28 at the time and a high school teacher and football coach, was caught speeding over 80 mph and failed a breath test with a .128 blood-alcohol level. This was above the limit of .1 prevalent in many areas, including Nebraska at that time, which has since been lowered to .08.
He also failed a field sobriety test; however, his attorney suggested that his poor hearing and the delayed activation of the trooper’s siren contributed to the incident.
It was characterized as “a little bit bizarre” by his lawyer, Russell Harford, who stated Walz felt “somebody was after him.”
VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS ANNOUNCES TIM WALZ AS RUNNING MATE
Democratic presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris shares the stage with Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz at a campaign event in Philadelphia on August 6, 2024. Harris ended weeks of speculation by choosing the 60-year-old governor over other candidates. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Walz was taken into custody at the county jail but was released on bond shortly after. His case concluded with a plea bargain, where he accepted a lesser charge of reckless driving.
Now 60, Walz paid a $200 fine and has reportedly ceased drinking alcohol.
KAMALA HARRIS SECURES DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION
Harris officially announced Walz as her running mate on Tuesday. She became the presumptive nominee for the 2024 Democratic Party presidential election following President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw after facing a disappointing debate, troubling polls, and concerns about his ability to continue in leadership.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz attentively listens as President Joe Biden addresses the crowd at Dutch Creek Farms in Northfield, Minn., on November 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
A former educator and longtime member of the National Guard, Walz was elected to the House of Representatives, later taking office as Minnesota’s governor in 2019 and securing reelection in 2022.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Contributions from Fox News’ Gabriele Regalbuto were included in this report.
