Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz’s campaign faced a setback on Monday when several vehicles in his motorcade were involved in a serious crash on Interstate 794 in Milwaukee.
Governor Walz, who was riding near the front of the motorcade, was unscathed in the accident. However, several staff members and journalists traveling in vans at the rear of the convoy were injured, and two were hospitalized.
According to eyewitness accounts, their vehicles were “violently thrown forward” after being hit from behind, causing a chain reaction collision.
One member of the traveling press pool reportedly suffered a broken arm and needed immediate medical attention. Other passengers had minor injuries, including scrapes, bruises, and a bloody nose. At least one person was checked for a concussion.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with no immediate explanation provided by authorities or the campaign.
Despite the incident, Walz continued to his scheduled Labor Day event in Milwaukee, where he addressed the accident.
“Some of my staff and members of the press that were traveling up with us were involved in a traffic accident on the way here today,” Walz told the audience. “I’m relieved to say that with a few minor injuries, everybody’s going to be okay.”
The incident prompted swift responses from top Democratic leadership. Both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, Walz’s running mate, called to check on his well-being. Walz expressed gratitude for their concern and thanked the U.S. Secret Service and local first responders for their quick reaction.
In a show of bipartisan concern, Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance took to social media, writing, “Hoping everyone’s OK.”
This isn’t the first vehicular accident for the Harris-Walz campaign. Just last week, a Georgia police officer suffered serious injuries when he crashed his motorcycle while escorting the campaign convoy.
Following the accident, Walz stopped at a local hospital to check on the staff members involved in the crash.
The crash occurred on Walz’s first trip aboard the new Harris-Walz campaign charter bus, which bears the slogan “A New Way Forward” – an ironic twist given the day’s events.
Video of the aftermath was shared by a local television station —