Address to Georgia State Senate for Laken Riley
Jason Riley, the father of the late Laken Riley, delivered a poignant speech at the Georgia State Senate, commemorating his daughter’s memory. The Senate unanimously passed a resolution recognizing the achievements of Laken Riley, a dedicated nursing student at Augusta University, whose life was tragically cut short last month.
The Tragic Events
Laken Riley was senselessly abducted and murdered on February 22 while going for a jog at the University of Georgia in Athens. The suspect in her case, José Antonio Ibarra, who is believed to be residing in the country illegally, was apprehended and charged with her untimely death.
Authorities later discovered that Ibarra, originally from Venezuela, had entered the United States unlawfully in 2022 and was living in Athens at the time of the heinous crime. The charges against him include malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, hindering a 911 call, and concealing the death of another. The autopsy confirmed that Laken Riley succumbed to blunt force trauma to the head.
A Heartfelt Plea
During his emotional address to the Senate, Jason Riley expressed his profound grief and devastation over the loss of his beloved daughter. He implored the legislators to take decisive action to safeguard the community from illegal incursions that result in devastating tragedies like the one that befell his family.
Riley underscored the need for enhanced measures to address the influx of over a million undocumented immigrants in the state and the challenges posed by sanctuary cities like Athens. He urged Governor Kemp to declare a state of invasion to facilitate the detention and deportation of criminal offenders, thereby preventing further heart-wrenching incidents.
Closing Remarks
In conclusion, Jason Riley’s stirring speech resonated with the audience, drawing attention to the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform and heightened security measures. His impassioned plea for justice and protection exemplifies the pain and suffering experienced by countless families affected by similar tragedies.
Source: WAGA-TV
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