**Minnesota Governor Shares Personal Story of Son’s Brush with Gun Violence**

Amidst the recent vice presidential debate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz took an opportunity to share a deeply personal story involving his son. Last year, Walz's teenage son, Gus, experienced the terror of gun violence firsthand while at a sports center. This incident has resonated with many American families facing similar fears.

Gus Walz was attending his volleyball practice at the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center in St. Paul on the afternoon of January 18, 2023, when a 16-year-old was shot and seriously injured just outside the facility. During the debate, Governor Walz recounted this harrowing experience to highlight the profound impact such violence can have, noting that his 17-year-old son witnessed the aftermath of the shooting, a memory that lingers.

David Albornoz, Gus's volleyball coach and aquatics facilities supervisor for St. Paul Parks, commended Gus for his composed actions during the chaotic event. In an interview, Albornoz described how Gus helped keep other kids safe and calm, remarking on his presence of mind and leadership. "Gus stayed with the kids as he was supposed to do," Albornoz praised.

Although Gus didn't see the actual shooting, he did see his coach with blood on his hands from administering first aid to the victim. Governor Walz had previously mentioned this event at a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on September 12, as he criticized Republican opponents for downplaying gun violence in schools. He also discussed it in a March interview with Minnesota Public Radio, noting the ongoing emotional impact on Gus, who had been responsible for sheltering younger children during the crisis.

During the Democratic National Convention in August, Gus gained national attention when a touching moment between him and his father was broadcasted. His emotional reaction stirred both admiration and ridicule, prompting Coach Albornoz to defend the teenager publicly on social media. Albornoz highlighted Gus's character and the difficult circumstances he has navigated, expressing that the young man deserves respect and support.

On Wednesday, Albornoz reiterated his admiration for Gus, describing him as an ordinary young person thrust into an extraordinary situation. "He's a normal kid in extraordinary circumstances," the coach concluded.

Governor Walz’s sharing of his son’s experience brings a heartfelt and personal perspective to the ongoing conversation about gun violence in America, underscoring its pervasive and devastating effects on families.