President Biden faced backlash and boos during his State of the Union speech when he mispronounced the name of Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student who was allegedly killed by a Venezuelan migrant in the country illegally. Instead of saying “Laken,” the president referred to her as “Lincoln,” sparking outrage from Riley’s mother, Allyson Phillips.
In an off-script moment prompted by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, President Biden addressed the border crisis and the issue of illegal immigrants committing crimes. He stated, “Lincoln Riley, an innocent young woman who was killed by an illegal. That’s right. But how many thousands of people are being killed by legals?” This remark was met with criticism as it appeared to downplay Riley’s tragic death.
Phillips took to Facebook to express her disappointment, writing, “Biden does not even KNOW my child’s name – it’s pathetic! If you are going to say her name (even when forced to do so) at least say the right name!” She also accused the president of trying to “minimize” her daughter’s murder by invoking his son Beau’s death from cancer.
Former President Trump, who had visited the southern border in Texas, also commented on Riley’s case. He revealed that he had spoken to her devastated parents and referred to her death as a result of a “Joe Biden invasion.” Trump further criticized Biden, labeling him as “crooked Joe” and the “most incompetent president we’ve ever had.”
Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Augusta University, was found dead on the University of Georgia campus on February 22. Her roommate reported her missing after she failed to return home from her morning run. The tragic incident has highlighted the ongoing concerns surrounding immigration policies and border security.
While Biden’s mispronunciation of Laken Riley’s name may have been an honest mistake, it has undoubtedly added fuel to the fire of criticism against his administration’s handling of the border crisis. As the debate surrounding immigration continues, the voices of grieving families and concerns over the safety of American citizens remain at the forefront.
