The coach praises Tim Walz's son for helping protect other children after the shooting

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — When the issue of gun violence came up at the vice presidential debate, Minnesota's governor said. Tim Waltz had a personal story to tell: his teenage son Gus was at a sports center last year when a shooting occurred.

Gus Walz was at volleyball practice at the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center in St. Paul on the afternoon of January 18, 2023, when a 16-year-old outside was shot and seriously injured.

It wasn't the first time Tim Walz spoke about his son's brush with gun violence, and the shooting itself was widely publicized locally. But the Democrats Remarks Tuesday evening during his debate with Republicans JD Vance, With the public still getting to know both vice presidential candidates, it offered the biggest stage yet to personalize an issue that has deeply touched many American families.

On Wednesday, youth volleyball coach David Albornoz praised Gus in an interview with The Associated Press for how he helped lead other children to safety and kept them calm amid the chaotic scene.

“I was impressed with Gus and the kids in general and how they handled it,” Albornoz said. “Gus stayed with the kids like he was supposed to.”

The shooting came up as Walz and Vance debated gun violence.

“Well, I think every parent watching tonight, this is your biggest nightmare,” Walz said. “Look, I have a 17-year-old and he witnessed a shooting at a community center while he was playing volleyball. These things don’t let you go.”

Gus didn't actually see the shooting himself, but he witnessed the aftermath, said Albornoz, who also oversees St. Paul Parks' water facilities. Among other things, he said, Gus saw Albornoz with blood on his hands because he had given the victim first aid.

Walz briefly brought up the shooting at a Sept. 12 campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as he accused Vance and his running mate, former President Donald Trump, of minimizing gun violence in schools.

“My own son was in a place where someone was shot in the head. Too many of us have,” the governor told the crowd.

Walz also mentioned it in one Interview with Minnesota Public Radio in March, saying Gus was still struggling with his emotions a year later.

“He was there with little kids, younger kids. He was a kind of supervisor. He pushed her under the bleachers,” Walz told MPR.

Albornoz largely agreed with the governor's version of events, although he recalled Gus taking the children back to the pool area, where they waited behind closed doors until they were given the all-clear.

Gus gained national attention his father's speech at the Democratic National Convention in August when he was caught on camera standing up with tears streaming down his face. In a viral moment, Gus pointed to his father and shouted, “That’s my father!”

According to Gus got some ridicule In return, Albornoz posted a tribute on Facebook, saying they met when the teenager came to see him as head of a volleyball team. He called Gus a “kid who has been caught up in the hustle and bustle of our current divided and divisive political landscape and who deserves love and respect in his senior year.” He recalled how she and other children often went out for tacos after games.

“I also know him from the time a child was shot in the parking lot, and he helped keep everyone safe and calm by taking care of the kids in the gym with us while I rushed out,” wrote him in August.

On Wednesday, Albornoz said Gus was just a normal teenager who was suddenly thrust into the national spotlight.

“He’s a normal boy in extraordinary circumstances,” the coach said.

In February, a judge sentenced Exavir Binford Jr., a recreation center employee, to more than 10 years in prison for shooting JuVaughn Turner. Binford pleaded guilty to first-degree assault in exchange for prosecutors dropping the attempted murder charge. Prosecutors say Binford shot Turner in the head during an argument between them and other teenagers. Turner's family is now suing the city, saying he suffered permanent brain damage. They claim the city knows he has a history of violence and threats to minors. The city has moved to dismiss the lawsuit, saying Binford was not carrying out his official duties and had no police authority when he shot Turner.

Tuesday night after Walz brought up the shooting, Vance said expressed his condolences.

“Tim, first of all, I didn’t know your 17-year-old witnessed a shooting, and I’m sorry. Christ, have mercy. It’s terrible,” Vance said.

“I appreciate that,” Walz replied.