“Walz failed” graffiti appears on the roof of the governor’s residence

The Minnesota governor's residence on Summit Avenue has been undergoing major renovations for more than a year, but it is unlikely that a message on the mansion's roof was part of the plans.

Helicopter 5 flew over the building Wednesday afternoon and captured graffiti reading “Walz failed” on an industrial rooftop air conditioner.

It is unclear how long the message has been around.

The slogan “Walz failed” gained widespread popularity among conservatives in Minnesota in the lead-up to the 2022 gubernatorial election, adorning billboards and even a kiosk at the Minnesota State Fair.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS has reached out to Gov. Tim Walz's office and the Minnesota State Patrol for comment.

The Walz family has lived at Eastcliff, the mansion that normally houses the president of the University of Minnesota, since renovations began on the 112-year-old governor's mansion.

A spokesperson for the Minnesota State Patrol sent a statement to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS on Wednesday saying, “The Saint Paul Police Department and the Minnesota State Patrol are currently investigating who defaced the equipment at the governor's residence and when it happened .” No one is currently living in the residence during construction. Authorities will not discuss specific security procedures or speculate on aspects of this ongoing investigation.”