Minnesota's second-in-command was accused of suggesting the state's complicity in genocide and supporting the toppling of the Columbus statue by rioters.

Minnesota's Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, who serves under Democratic Governor Tim Walz, was blunt in her comments about race relations, stating that the state is only a good place to live for White people and advocating for the removal of historic statues.

Even after Walz became Minnesota's governor, Flanagan stated that living in the state presented challenges for people of color.

In July 2020, Walz, who was first elected governor in 2018, stated that while Minnesota is a great place to live, work, and raise a family for Whites, people of color and those living in certain zip codes may face limited opportunities to thrive. In fact, their ability to survive or even live is in question.

If Kamala Harris were to become vice president and Walz were to assume the governorship, Flanagan would likely become the new governor.

Flanagan stated that she believes the state's government was designed to perpetrate genocide.

"As I enter the state capitol, I feel a sense of vulnerability because I am aware that this building was constructed to eradicate a race and suppress our voices. This includes people of color and Indigenous individuals," she stated in 2020.

Flanagan, a "White Earth" Native American, has voiced her opposition to colonialism, including supporting the tearing down of the Christopher Columbus statue at the Minnesota State Capitol during the George Floyd protests.

In the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, many buildings and businesses were burned during the unrest that started as protests against police aggression and systemic racism, but quickly escalated into violence, property damage, and mass looting.

For almost 90 years, the statue that was toppled by rioters stood on the state Capitol grounds, and it was funded by Italian Americans as a tribute to their heritage.

The removal of the commemorative plaque recognizing Columbus' achievement as an explorer by Walz's administration angered Italian Americans in Minnesota.

Pat Mancini, a local restaurant owner, revealed that the Italians in the state gathered and spent their hard-earned money to buy the statue.

Flanagan responded to rioters toppling the Christopher Columbus statue.

"As a Native woman who served in elected office in Minnesota, I was asked about my opinion on the recent statue that came down at the Capitol. While I understand the significance of the statue, I believe that we need leaders to prioritize systemic changes over statues. We are in a moment where we must all take responsibility for the changes needed in our society."

The lieutenant governor had previously shown support for the unrest.

"In June 2020, she informed a radio station that she would not perform for an audience, pretend to be sad, or cry over the loss of a statue."

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to Walz's administration for comment but did not receive an immediate response.