Politicians slammed as Laken Riley’s dad says daughter’s death is being used to further border debate

BUFORD, GEORGIA: Jason Riley, the father of Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student who was killed while she was jogging, opened up about his slain daughter while remembering her as a “strong person”. The grieving father, however, fears that her death is being exploited as a political wedge that is being used for the November election amid the border crisis in the country, NBC reported. 

After Laken was reportedly killed by suspect Jose Ibarra, who entered the country illegally two years ago, her name has been brought up by politicians at rallies, speeches, and in an immigration bill that was named after her. Due to this, Jason feels that her death is being used as a political agenda. 

What did Jason Riley say?

In an interview that aired on Monday, March 18, on NBC's 'TODAY' show, Laken Riley's father Jason said, "I wish I would have been there to protect her." This was the first time he had spoken publicly since his daughter was killed. "I wish it would have been me," he added.

The killing of Laken Riley has intensified the already contentious discussion over immigration laws under the Biden administration, and it gained more attention earlier this month when President Joe Biden made reference to her in an unexpected way during his State of the Union speech.

"I'd rather her not be such a political, how you say it started a storm in our country," Jason Riley said of his daughter's death, before adding, "And it's incited a lot of people."

As a result of the divisiveness, he said, "There are people on both sides that have lashed out at our families," referring to him and Laken's mother.

In his speech, Biden said, "My heart goes out to you," before adding "Having lost children myself, I understand."

But in reaction to what Biden said, Jason Riley feels overwhelmed over how politicized the circumstances surrounding his daughter's death have become.

He said, "I think it's being used politically to get those votes."

Jason added, "It makes me angry. I feel like, you know, they're just using my daughter’s name for that. And she was much better than that, and she should be raised up for the person that she is. She was an angel.”

Internet blasts politicians after Jason Riley's interview

Several social media users slammed the politicians for using Laken Riley's name for their motives. A Facebook user said, "Time to let her rest in peace and the family

permitted to grieve in private." 

Another social media user said, "She is being used." One person wrote, "It's tool for them."

One user said, "Yes, her death is being used by the GOP and Trump. He should tell Trump and the rest of the GOP is stop using her death for political reasons." 

Another wrote, "Sadly she is, I'm so sorry for this family to endure this. My heart goes out to them." 

One person said, "It's really tough when personal stories get caught up in big political debates. It can make the individuals involved feel like they're just part of a larger agenda rather than being seen for their own experiences and feelings. It's important for everyone's voice to be heard and respected, especially in such sensitive matters." 

One individual wrote, "Sorry for your loss but this should have never happened and poor leadership needs exploited every chance for many others out there who will fall victim to this destructive ideology." 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.