The widow of a sheriff’s deputy who was shot and killed in the line of duty in 2023 warned Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz he was not welcome at the funeral because of his treatment of law enforcement officers and threatened to kick his “ass out” if he dared to show up.
Slain Minnesota Officer’s Widow Told Gov. Walz to Stay Away from Funeral
The widow of Pope County, Minnesota, Sheriff's Deputy Josh Owen warned Gov. Tim Walz that if he did show up, she would “make sure that I escort your ass out of here.”

Pope County (Minnesota) Sheriff's Deputy Josh Owen was shot and killed responding to a domestic in 2023. His watch ended on his 44th birthday.
Pope County SO
Shannon Owen told Kamala Harris’ running mate that he was not welcome at the services for her husband, Josh Owen, an Iraq veteran and Pope County sheriff’s deputy who was shot and killed while working on his 44th birthday in April 2023.
“You have never been a supporter of the police and I’d just appreciate it if you just don’t come anywhere near my town,” she warned Walz in a recording obtained by the Telegraph.
The widow warned Walz that if he did show up, she would “make sure that I escort your ass out of here.”
Sounding flustered, Walz responded, “I totally understand and respect your rights. Our officers are here to support you in any way you need,” before the call abruptly ended, the Telegraph noted.
The governor did not attend the funeral.
Josh Owen was killed while responding to a domestic violence call on April 15, 2023. As he tried to arrest the suspect, the man drew a gun and shot him four times, the New York Post reports.
Shannon Owen says her husband was planning to quit the force at the time he was killed.
Deputy was reportedly upset with law enforcement reforms put in place after the death of George Floyd—including a ban on “chokeholds”—and he felt they made the job more difficult and more dangerous.
More Patrol

363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →
National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today
A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police
The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.
Read More →
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →
What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →
Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black
Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.
Read More →
Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet
Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the T8 Specter LE Zip for LE Professionals
Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.
Read More →
Streamlight Launches LiteBox 1Million & Portable Scene Light III
Streamlight has launched the Portable Scene Light III (PSL III), which delivers up to 10,000 lumens, and the LiteBox 1Million, a one-million-candela long-range search light.
Read More →