Several vans in a motorcade transporting Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz collided on a highway in Milwaukee on Monday, as they travelled from the airport to a campaign event. Walz was not injured.
President Joe Biden, aboard Air Force One en route to a campaign stop in Pittsburgh with Vice President Kamala Harris, called Walz shortly afterwards. Harris, who was campaigning in Detroit before joining Biden later in the day, also spoke to Walz after the incident.
The crash involved vehicles at the rear of the motorcade. Walz, the governor of Minnesota, was riding near the front. Social media images depicted large passenger vans with significant front and rear damage on Interstate 794.
🚨🇺🇸#BREAKING TIM WALZ MOTORRAD INVOLVED IN AUTO CRASH
Multiple people were taken away by ambulance and several cars crashed moments ago In Milwaukee, Wisconsin on the way to the rally no word yet on who caused this accident⚠️#MotorcadeCrash pic.twitter.com/DC0gwtEXwM— Todd Paron🇺🇸🇬🇷🎧👽 (@tparon) September 2, 2024
The White House confirmed Harris was briefed and spoke with Walz to ensure his and the staff’s wellbeing. Upon arrival at his event, Walz addressed the crash, mentioning, “some of my staff and members of the press were involved in a traffic accident on the way here today.”
“We’ve spoken with the staff. I’m relieved to say that with a few minor injuries, everybody’s going to be okay,” Walz said. “President Biden and Vice President Harris called to check in, and we certainly appreciate their concern, and I want to express my sincere thanks to the US Secret Service and all the local first responders for their quick reaction.”
The cause of the crash, which occurred shortly before 1 p.m. local time and resulted in minor injuries, is still unknown. A reporter in a van carrying press members noted one staffer had an injured arm treated by medics. The crash report described passengers being “violently thrown forward,” causing the van to hit the vehicle in front and be struck from behind.
A few hours after the crash, Tim Walz visited the hospital to check on injured staff members. The van carrying reporters remained on the roadside for several minutes post-collision. Some reporters sustained scrapes, bruises, and one had a bloody nose. Another reporter, fearing a concussion, initially sought urgent care but later joined the press in a replacement van to continue to the event.
All individuals who wished to be examined by paramedics were assessed, according to the report. Before the motorcade journey, Walz and his wife Gwen were greeted at the airport by Democratic Representative Gwen Moore of Wisconsin, with the trio posing for a photo. bMonday’s campaign events, marking Labour Day, were Walz’s first aboard the Harris-Walz campaign aircraft, decorated with an American flag decal, the words Harris-Walz, and “A New Way Forward.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Washington Times reports that some vans in the back of Tim Walz’s motorcade crashed while en route to a campaign event in Milwaukee, but Walz himself was unharmed.(read more)
- ABC7 Chicago reports that Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz was unhurt in a motorcade crash in Milwaukee, but a staff member was injured.(read more)
- Politico reports that Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz was unharmed when several cars in his motorcade crashed en route to a campaign stop in Milwaukee.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to Tim Walz’s motorcade?
Some vans in the motorcade crashed, but Walz was unhurt.
Did President Biden contact Tim Walz after the crash?
Yes, Biden called Walz from Air Force One to check on him.
Were there any injuries in the motorcade crash?
Yes, there were minor injuries among staff and reporters.
What did Tim Walz say about the crash at his event?
Walz said he was relieved everyone would be okay and thanked the Secret Service and first responders.
Did Kamala Harris contact Tim Walz after the crash?
Yes, Harris spoke with Walz by phone to check on him and the staff.