Sign in

Laken Riley's mother joins #SayHerName campaign, many ask why is Joe Biden silent?

Georgia University student Laken Riley's murder has sparked social media campaign #SayHerName

Updated on: Mar 4, 2024, 16:23:03 IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

#SayHerName - Laken Riley's mother and many others have joined an online campaign to seek justice for young Georgia University student, who was brutally murdered by an illegal immigrant. The nursing student's murder has sparked a political storm in United States with Donald Trump and many other Republicans questioning US President Joe Biden's silence on the issue.

#SayHerName campaign ensues on social media, seeking justice for Georgia University student Laken Riley's death (Facebook)
#SayHerName campaign ensues on social media, seeking justice for Georgia University student Laken Riley's death (Facebook)

It was only a month after her murder on 26 January, White House issued a statement on Laken's murder stating, "We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Laken Hope Riley," a White House spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "People should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law if they are found to be guilty. Given this is an active case, we would have to refer you to state law enforcement and ICE."

However, President Joe Biden has been silent over Riley's murder and even failed to reach out to her family after her sad demise. This alleged ignorance has fueled Republican narrative against the President and question his bias, considering Laken Riley was a ‘white victim’ unlike George Floyd.

Even as Biden has maintained silence on the issue Trump claimed to have a phone conversation with Riley’s parents, who were “devastated” by the loss of their daughter. He blamed Biden for the “invasion” of illegal immigrants and called him “crooked Joe” and “the most incompetent president we’ve ever had.

Many on social media have joined in the chorus #SayHerName, seeking justice and tighter laws against illegal immigration in United States.

Who is Jose Antonio Ibarra, illegal immigrant who killed Laken Riley

Jose Antonio Ibarra, the suspect recently apprehended in connection with the murder of 22-year-old nursing student Laken Hope Riley in Georgia, is a 26-year-old illegal immigrant. The University of Georgia Police Chief, Jeff Clark, described the incident as an isolated one, noting that the university hadn't experienced a homicide in nearly 30 years. Ibarra was identified through campus security footage, community input, and physical evidence. Riley's body was discovered near a lake on the university's campus after she failed to return from a run. Ibarra was arrested on February 23 and faces charges including malice and felony murder, aggravated battery, kidnapping, and concealing the death of another.

Jose Antonio Ibarra's immigration history reveals that he crossed the border in Texas on September 8, 2023. Initially sent to a processing facility, he was later released and traveled to New York City. Ibarra, along with his wife Layling Franco and her 5-year-old son, entered El Paso and was subsequently sent to New York City on September 15. In August, Ibarra faced charges of endangering the welfare of a child when he was arrested for riding a gas-powered moped in Queens with Franco's son on the back without proper protection. At the time, Ibarra was employed by DoorDash, Uber Eats, and a local restaurant. Despite the arrest, the case was later sealed.

  • HT News Desk
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    HT News Desk

    Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.