First appearance on Fox: Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) wrote a letter to President Joe Biden on Monday asking him to acknowledge the death of Georgia college student Laken Riley during Thursday night’s State of the Union address.
The suspect charged in connection with the murder of 22-year-old Augusta University nursing student Riley last month is Jose Ibarra, who was found to have entered the United States illegally in 2022.
“At just 6 years old, Laken knew she wanted to be a nurse to help people. She kept living that dream until Joe Biden’s Wide Open Border shattered that dream.” Banks told FOX News Digital in a statement. “This was a completely avoidable tragedy. President Biden owes it to his family and the American people to honor him.”
Laken Riley poses for a photo to post on Facebook. Riley, a nursing student, was found dead near a lake on the University of Georgia campus on Thursday, February 22, 2024. (Laken Riley/Facebook)
In her letter, Banks implored Biden to address the death of his daughter Laken in his annual address to Congress and “publicly acknowledge the tragedy of the Riley family.”
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The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
“As Commander in Chief, it is your duty to protect the American people, and this tragedy highlights the urgent need to address the surge in crime resulting from your negligence at our southern border,” Banks said. he wrote.
The Indiana Republican, who is running for the Senate seat that will be vacated in 2025 by Sen. Mike Braun, listed more of what he sees as Biden’s failings on the southern border and immigration issues. Banks pointed to Biden’s reversal of Trump-era policies such as Remain in Mexico, Title 42, and border wall construction.
“Failure to publicly acknowledge this tragedy is unacceptable,” Banks added.
last week, White House releases statement told FOX News Digital about Riley’s death. “We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Laken Hope Riley,” a spokesperson said. “If found guilty, people should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Given that this is an ongoing case, referrals should be made to state law enforcement and ICE.” Let’s go.”
Congressman Jim Banks questions a witness during a House hearing on February 28, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Biden himself has not mentioned Riley’s death. asked at a press conference Whether he bears any responsibility following last week’s speech.
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In the letter, Banks asked Biden to “respect Laken Riley’s mother’s wishes by breaking your silence and saying her name during the State of the Union address on Thursday, March 7, 2024. It’s a great opportunity.”
Riley’s mother, Alison Phillips, recently changed her Facebook profile picture to a red and black heart in UGA colors and added the hashtag “#SayHerName.”
Banks called on Biden to recognize Riley in his SOTU speech and called on him to “take swift and decisive action to secure our borders, prevent further tragedies and ensure a safer future for all Americans.” We can secure it,” he said.
