On a national stage, during the October 2024 vice-presidential debate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz shared a deeply personal and emotional account that left a mark on the audience, highlighting the ongoing crisis of gun violence in America. In a moment of vulnerability, Walz spoke of a harrowing experience involving his teenage son, Gus, who witnessed a tragic shooting at the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center in St. Paul. This revelation came as part of a broader conversation on gun violence, a topic that has plagued communities across the United States and shaped much of Walz’s own political journey.
The event, which occurred in January 2023, forever altered the lives of those involved, including Governor Walz’s family. The incident not only served as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of gun violence in America but also highlighted the personal toll it takes on families, communities, and the young people who are often caught in its devastating wake. Walz’s public acknowledgment of the traumatic event, and the emotional scars it left on his son, Gus, marked a significant moment in the debate and underscored the need for urgent action on gun control.
The Incident: A Shooting at Jimmy Lee Recreation Center
On a chilly winter evening in January 2023, what was meant to be a routine night of volleyball practice for high school students at the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center in St. Paul turned into a scene of horror. The center, located near Central High School and serving as a hub for youth sports and community activities, was bustling with teenagers, including Governor Walz’s 17-year-old son, Gus. The recreation center, a place meant for fostering community engagement and physical activity, was thrown into chaos when gunfire erupted just outside its doors.
The events leading up to the shooting unfolded rapidly. According to court documents and eyewitness accounts, a physical altercation between two teenagers escalated into a deadly confrontation. In the heat of the moment, 27-year-old Exavir Binford Jr., a recreation center employee, brandished a firearm and shot 16-year-old JuVaughn Turner in the head. The sound of the gunshot reverberated through the building, sending shockwaves through the students, staff, and community members who were present. Gus Walz, like many others in the gym, was caught in the chaos, witnessing firsthand the tragic event unfold.
Though Turner miraculously survived the shooting, his life was forever changed. The bullet inflicted permanent brain damage, leaving him with violent seizures and severe cognitive impairments. Turner’s family later revealed that he had undergone multiple surgeries, including the removal of a portion of his skull, as doctors fought to save his life. The physical and emotional toll on Turner, his family, and the community at large was profound.
For Gus, the experience of witnessing such violence so close to home was equally devastating. The trauma of that night left an indelible mark on the young man, as Governor Walz poignantly reflected during the debate. “I’ve got a 17-year-old, and he witnessed a shooting at a community center while playing volleyball,” Walz said, his voice tinged with the weight of a father’s fear and sorrow. “Those things don’t leave you,” he added, referring to the lasting emotional scars that such experiences inflict.
The Shooter: A Troubled Employee with a History of Violence
As investigators began to piece together the events of that fateful night, more details emerged about the shooter, Exavir Binford Jr. Binford, who had worked at the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center for several years, was known to some as a dedicated employee who cared about the youth he worked with. However, beneath the surface, Binford struggled with a history of violence and personal turmoil.
Court records revealed that Binford had been involved in several altercations prior to the shooting, raising questions about his suitability for working with young people in a community setting. Friends and colleagues described Binford as someone who had become increasingly withdrawn and erratic in the months leading up to the incident. Some speculated that the pressures of his job, combined with personal issues, had pushed him to a breaking point.
The shooting itself appeared to be the result of a spontaneous escalation of violence. According to witnesses, the altercation between the two teenagers had been verbal at first, but quickly spiraled out of control when Binford intervened. In what appeared to be an impulsive decision, Binford drew a firearm and shot Turner at point-blank range before fleeing the scene.
For many in the St. Paul community, Binford’s actions were incomprehensible. How could a man entrusted with the care and mentorship of young people commit such a heinous act? The community, already grappling with rising concerns about gun violence, was left to mourn and search for answers in the wake of the shooting.
The Legal Aftermath: Binford’s Sentencing and Turner’s Ongoing Struggles
In the months following the shooting, the legal system moved swiftly to bring Binford to justice. He was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with first-degree assault, among other offenses. In February 2024, after a lengthy legal process, Binford pled guilty to the charges against him and was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison.
At his sentencing hearing, Binford expressed remorse for his actions, though it did little to ease the pain of Turner’s family. An attorney representing Turner’s mother read a powerful statement in court, describing the immense suffering her son had endured. The attorney revealed that Turner had undergone multiple surgeries to relieve the pressure on his brain, but that the damage was permanent. Turner, once a vibrant and active teenager, now faced a lifetime of physical and mental challenges, including debilitating seizures that left him unable to lead a normal life.
“JuVaughn will never be the same,” the attorney said. “His dreams, his future, have been taken from him because of one man’s reckless decision. Our family will never stop fighting for JuVaughn, but we know that the road ahead is long and difficult.”
For the Turner family, Binford’s sentencing offered some measure of justice, but it did little to alleviate the lasting impact of the shooting. The community, too, continued to grapple with the emotional fallout, as many questioned how such an event could have occurred in a place meant to be a safe haven for young people.
Governor Walz’s Response: From NRA Supporter to Gun Control Advocate
The shooting at the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center struck a deep chord with Governor Tim Walz, both as a public figure and as a father. In the months following the incident, Walz’s stance on gun control evolved significantly. Once a strong supporter of the National Rifle Association (NRA), Walz had long been an advocate for Second Amendment rights. However, the personal impact of the shooting on his family, and his son’s traumatic experience, led him to reevaluate his position on gun laws.
Walz’s transformation into a more progressive voice on gun control was evident in his subsequent policy proposals and public statements. He became a vocal advocate for stricter gun laws, particularly in public spaces such as schools, recreation centers, and community facilities. During his campaign stops and public appearances, Walz frequently referenced the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center shooting as a turning point in his views on gun violence.
“Too many families have been shattered by gun violence, and we cannot continue to treat this as a fact of life,” Walz said during a campaign speech in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “My own son was in a place where someone was shot in the head. As a parent, that’s your worst nightmare. And as a leader, I have a responsibility to do everything in my power to prevent this from happening to other families.”
Walz’s advocacy for gun-free zones in places like the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center became a central component of his platform. He pushed for legislation that would allow local governments to impose firearm restrictions in certain public areas, arguing that these spaces should be sanctuaries for young people, free from the threat of gun violence.
In a Minnesota Public Radio interview earlier this year, Walz reflected on his personal connection to the issue, saying, “As a parent of a youth who was at that facility, I think that would have been a good decision to keep those firearms out of there.”
The Vice-Presidential Debate: A Moment of Empathy Amid Political Discourse
The emotional weight of the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center shooting was brought to the forefront of the national conversation during the October 2024 vice-presidential debate. As Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance discussed the broader issue of gun violence, Walz shared the story of his son’s traumatic experience, prompting a rare moment of empathy between the two candidates.
“I’ve got a 17-year-old, and he witnessed a shooting at a community center while playing volleyball,” Walz said, his voice heavy with emotion. Vance, known for his more conservative stance on gun rights, responded simply, “Awful,” acknowledging the deep pain that Walz’s family had endured.
For a brief moment, the usual political divisions were set aside as both candidates recognized the human toll of gun violence. The exchange stood in stark contrast to the more combative tone of previous debates, offering a glimpse of the empathy and understanding that can emerge in the face of shared tragedy.
While the debate continued with discussions of policy and politics, the moment left a lasting impression on viewers, reminding the nation that behind every statistic and policy debate are real people, real families, and real lives forever changed by gun violence.
Conclusion: A Community’s Call for Change
The shooting at the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center remains a painful chapter in St. Paul’s history, one that continues to resonate with the community and the families affected. For Governor Tim Walz, the experience has shaped his views on gun control and solidified his commitment to advocating for policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of young people.
As the nation grapples with the ongoing epidemic of gun violence, the story of Gus Walz and the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for action. Whether through stricter gun laws, enhanced mental health support, or community-based interventions, the path forward will require a collective effort to prevent future tragedies and ensure that no more families have to endure the pain and trauma that comes from senseless acts of violence.
In the end, the hope is that out of tragedy, change can emerge, and that the voices of those affected by gun violence will be heard and heeded as the nation works toward a safer, more just future.
