Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign released a statement on Friday, addressing the controversy surrounding her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and his claims of military service. The campaign admitted that Walz had "misspoke" about his past military experience, as critics accused him of "stolen valor."

The statement from Team Harris expressed support for Governor Walz, asserting that he would never intentionally insult or undermine the service of any American. Instead, they emphasized Walz's gratitude towards those who have put their lives on the line for the country, specifically mentioning Senator Vance's service. The team also highlighted Walz's stance on gun control, stating that he believes only military personnel trained in handling such weapons should have access to them.

The controversy surrounding Walz arose after a video from 2018 resurfaced, in which he referenced his military career in the National Guard while advocating for increased gun control. In the clip, posted on Harris' campaign account, Walz stated that he carried "weapons of war" during his time in the military.

While Walz served 24 years in the National Guard, it has been revealed that he never saw combat in war and retired from his unit just before they were deployed to Iraq. Critics have accused him of embellishing his rank, as he had referred to himself as a retired Command Sergeant Major, while he was actually demoted to the rank of master sergeant upon retirement.

One prominent voice criticizing Walz is Senator JD Vance, the former running mate of President Donald Trump. Vance, a Marine veteran, condemned Walz for what he called "stolen valor garbage," expressing his disappointment and asserting that falsely claiming military service is a shameful act.

The controversy surrounding Walz's military record has brought unwanted attention to Vice President Harris' campaign. As the chorus of criticism grows, it remains to be seen how this will impact the campaign and Governor Walz's credibility. As the issue unfolds, voters will be closely watching to see how the situation is addressed and whether Walz can regain trust in his claims of military experience.