Two rallies are planned for outside Athens-Clarke County City Hall Tuesday evening. A Make Athens Safe Rally is scheduled for 5:30 in response to the death of nursing student Laken Riley. Organizers say the event is in support of UGA students and the Athens community. Supporters are asked to address the commission asking supporters to address the commission at its 6 pm meeting in opposition to a 2019 Resolution regarding undocumented illegal immigrants. Authorities say the man arrested for the murder of Riley, Jose Antonio Ibarra, was in the country unlawfully. He is facing several charges including murder, kidnapping, and aggravated assault.
A second gathering, the Unity Vigil for Laken Riley and the Athens Community is also scheduled for Tuesday evening at 5:30. The Athens-Anti-Discrimination Movement is standing with the Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition for the event, which they say is due to the negative backlash the migrant community is experiencing in the wake of Riley’s death. Organizers ask that attendees gather peacefully across the street from City Hall along College Avenue.
The ACC Mayor and Commission are considering more than $500,000 in public safety investments at Tuesday evening’s meeting, which begins at 6 pm. To view that meeting, visit accgov.com. or the county’s YouTube channel.
