House Speaker Mike Johnson has criticized President Biden for his remarks regarding the accused killer of Laken Riley, a nursing student who was brutally murdered last month. Johnson called Biden an “embarrassment” for seemingly apologizing to the accused killer instead of showing empathy towards Riley’s family.
In an interview with MSNBC’s Jonathan Capehart that aired on Saturday, Biden addressed the issue and said that he should have used the term “undocumented” instead of “illegal” to describe Jose Ibarra, the Venezuelan national who is accused of killing Riley. This statement came after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene urged Biden to acknowledge the fact that Riley’s killer was in the country illegally.
However, the White House has refuted claims that Biden apologized for his choice of words. Principal deputy press secretary Olivia Dalton told reporters that there was no apology made by the President during his conversation with Capehart. She clarified that Biden simply used a different word to describe Ibarra’s immigration status.
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Ibarra crossed the border illegally near El Paso, Texas, and was released into the country in 2022 for further processing. He was later arrested and released in New York City for allegedly endangering a child in 2023. This information has sparked debates about immigration policies and the need for stricter border control.
It has also been revealed that Ibarra and his brother were cited for shoplifting in Georgia in October 2023, just months before Riley’s tragic death. Ibarra has been charged with several felonies including murder, kidnapping, and aggravated assault as well as a misdemeanor for physically hindering a 911 call. According to charging documents, Ibarra is accused of “disfiguring” Riley’s skull.
During his interview with Capehart, Biden also expressed his stance on treating immigrants with respect and compassion, in contrast to former President Donald Trump who often used derogatory terms to describe people who came into the country illegally. However, at a rally, Trump criticized Biden’s choice of words and said that he “apologized for calling Laken’s murderer an illegal.”
Trump also shared his opinion on the matter, stating that Ibarra should have never been in the country in the first place and that he “was an illegal alien. He was an illegal immigrant. He was an illegal migrant.” Trump’s rhetoric has reignited debates on immigration policies, with some calling for harsher measures against undocumented immigrants.
During his State of the Union address, Biden addressed Riley’s parents, offering his condolences and understanding as someone who has also lost a child. He also emphasized the thousands of people being killed by individuals who are in the country illegally. This statement has sparked discussions on the importance of addressing immigration issues and keeping communities safe.
In response to the criticism, the White House issued a statement clarifying Biden’s remarks. They stated that the President has consistently stood against disrespect or mistreatment of immigrants and has promised to create a more compassionate and fair system. The conversation surrounding the tragic death of Laken Riley has also sparked debates on the need for comprehensive immigration reform in the country.
While this tragedy has brought attention to important issues such as border control and immigration policies, it is important to remember that a young life was taken in such a horrific manner. Laken Riley’s family deserves to be treated with empathy and respect during this difficult time, and it is crucial for the government and its officials to handle this situation with sensitivity and tact. The nation mourns the loss of yet another innocent life and calls for justice to be served.
