Title: President Biden Criticized for Backtracking on Calling Accused Murderer of Laken Riley “Illegal”
In a recent interview with MSNBC’s Jonathan Capehart, President Biden faced criticism for seemingly apologizing to the accused killer of Laken Riley, instead of expressing condolences to the slain student’s family. House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned President Biden’s actions, calling them an “embarrassment” and accusing him of cowering to his base.
The controversy began when, during an off-script moment in his State of the Union address, President Biden referred to Riley’s killer as an “illegal.” This statement came at the urging of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. However, in his interview with Capehart, the president backtracked, stating that he should have used the term “undocumented” instead of “illegal” to describe Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan national charged with Riley’s murder.
The White House has maintained that President Biden did not apologize during the interview. Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton clarified that the president used a different word and that there was no apology given. It should be noted that Ibarra had illegally crossed the border near El Paso, Texas, and was released into the U.S. for further processing in September 2022.
Critics argue that President Biden’s choice of words undermines the seriousness of the crime committed and shows deference to someone who deserves none. They believe he should have prioritized expressing sympathy to Riley’s family, rather than appeasing his political base. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department confirmed that Ibarra and his brother had been cited for shoplifting in Georgia months before Riley’s tragic slaying.
Ibarra is facing several charges, including malice murder, murder, kidnapping, false imprisonment, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, concealing the death of another, and physically hindering a 911 call. Charging documents suggest that he “disfigured” Riley’s skull.
Former President Donald Trump, who spoke with Riley’s parents backstage at a recent rally, criticized President Biden’s walk-back. Trump emphasized that the accused murderer should be referred to as an “illegal” and expressed his belief that the individual should never have been in the country under his administration’s policies.
During his State of the Union address, President Biden addressed Riley’s parents and expressed his condolences. However, his comments questioning the number of people being killed by “legals” also drew attention and criticism.
The fallout from President Biden’s choice of words continues, with conservatives and critics questioning his handling of the situation. The incident has become another flashpoint in the ongoing debate surrounding immigration and the language used to describe individuals who enter the country illegally.
As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how President Biden and his administration will address the concerns raised by his critics. The issue highlights the deep divisions and differing perspectives on immigration and the role of the government in addressing related crimes.
