Officials with the Minnesota National Guard say their troops were shot at early Sunday morning they were on security patrol in Minneapolis.
Two of the guard members were hurt and required hospital treatment.
"It highlights the volatility of this situation," said Gov. Walz, who was a long-time member of the National Guard. "I did speak both of the soldiers this morning, one of whom did serve with me in the unit that I was in. They're both going to be okay."
The governor appeared live on WCCO television's 10:30 a.m. Sunday newscast.
Authorities say the shooting happened around 4:19 this morning when shots came from a light-colored van at an Operation Safety Net security team near Penn Avenue and Broadway.
"They recognize, this community needs to have a space to peacefully protest and demand change," said Walz of the guard members who were wounded. "But they also realize that amongst those thousands of peaceful protesters, there's folks who are willing to shoot at police, burn buildings, and do those things, and we're trying to strike that proper balance."
One Guardsman sustained an injury from shattered glass requiring additional care and was taken to a local hospital to receive treatment for injuries sustained.
The other Guardsman received only superficial injuries. No further information is available at this time.
"I am relieved to know none of our Guardsmen were seriously injured," said Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General. "This event highlights the volatility and tension in our communities right now. I ask for peace as we work through this difficult time."
The Minnesota National Guard is activated as part of Operation Safety Net, a joint effort among the Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, the State of Minnesota and local jurisdictions.
The Minnesota National Guard was activated as part of the effort to protect people, freedom of speech and property during the Derek Chauvin trial as well as the aftermath of the police involved shooting of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center.
