During his brief speech, Governor Brian Kemp highlighted the murder of 22-year old Laken Riley that occurred on the UGA campus late last week. Kemp chastised the Biden administration for failing to secure the southern border with Mexico. Riley’s alleged murderer entered the US illegally in 2022:
“We need justice on a massive level to prevent this type of thing from happening again. Laken’s death is a direct result of federal policies and an unwillingness of this White House to secure the border.”
Kemp also touted the recent deployment of Georgia National Guard troops to the southern border.
He also underlined the achievements of the Athens-area and statewide economy, mentioning that trade in Georgia totaled 186 billion dollars last year:
“None of these measures matter if we cannot keep our people safe. Georgia will continue to do its part and it is past time for the federal government to do it as well. I am urging all of you to stand with me to demand justice for Laken and holding the federal government accountable and continuing to keep our community safe.”
State Representative Houston Gaines (R-Athens) was also in attendance, where he expressed doubt that District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez will be able to successfully prosecute Laken Riley’s murderer.
