The family of Laken Riley, the 22-year-old nursing student tragically killed while jogging in Georgia, is grappling with immense grief as her death becomes a focal point in the national political discourse. Jason Riley, Laken’s father, has publicly shared his sorrow and concerns that his daughter’s memory is being overshadowed by political agendas, even as the Laken Riley Family seeks to honor her life and legacy.
In his first public statement since his daughter’s death, Jason Riley expressed profound personal anguish. “I wish I would have been there to protect her,” he confessed in a heart-wrenching interview on NBC’s “TODAY” show. “I wish it would have been me.” His words encapsulate the raw pain and helplessness felt by a father confronted with unimaginable loss. Laken Riley, a bright and ambitious student at Augusta University’s nursing college, had dreams of working in a children’s hospital and was known for her dedication to her studies, sorority, and church. Her life was abruptly cut short on February 22nd while she was jogging on the University of Georgia campus.
The circumstances surrounding Laken Riley’s death quickly ignited a political firestorm, escalating the already tense national debate on immigration policies. This intensified when President Biden, during his State of the Union address, addressed her case, albeit in a manner that drew criticism for his choice of words. For the Laken Riley family, this politicization adds another layer of pain to their bereavement. “I’d rather her not be such a political… it started a storm in our country,” Jason Riley lamented, fearing that the intense focus on the political implications is overshadowing the memory of his daughter as an individual.
Laken Riley in an undated family handout photo.
Jason Riley shared that the divisiveness has led to harsh reactions directed at both him and Laken’s mother, Allyson Phillips. Despite their divorce when Laken was young, Jason Riley maintained a close relationship with his daughter, speaking with her frequently. He recalled her aspirations and the personal goals she had set for the year, painting a picture of a young woman full of life and promise. The fact that their last conversation occurred just two weeks before her death adds to the surreal and agonizing nature of his grief. “I wake up every day thinking that I can call her, and I can’t,” he shared, his voice thick with emotion.
The national spotlight intensified after Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s prompting during Biden’s State of the Union address. Biden, holding up a pin with Laken Riley’s name, acknowledged her as “an innocent young woman who was killed by an illegal.” This terminology sparked immediate backlash and further fueled the political polarization surrounding the tragedy. While Biden later expressed regret for using the term “illegal,” the moment underscored the extent to which Laken Riley’s death had become a political flashpoint. Biden extended condolences to the Laken Riley family, stating, “My heart goes out to you. Having lost children myself, I understand.”
However, Jason Riley expressed feeling overwhelmed and angered by the political exploitation of his daughter’s death. “I think it’s being used politically to get those votes,” he stated, concerned that her name is being invoked primarily for political gain. He emphasized that Laken was “much better than that” and deserved to be remembered for her inherent worth and character, describing her as “an angel.”
Despite his reservations about the politicization, Jason Riley acknowledged that Laken’s death has brought to the forefront crucial conversations about border security and the safety of women. He voiced support for former President Trump and recognized that while he wished his daughter’s death was not so politically charged, it has inadvertently opened up necessary dialogues about securing the southern border and protecting vulnerable individuals. “Laken has been a rallying cry for secure borders and for the illegal immigration policies of this current administration,” he noted, while also highlighting the many other women whose stories remain unheard.
The day of Biden’s address coincided with the House passage of the “Laken Riley Act,” a bill championed by Representative Mike Collins. This legislation mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants accused of theft and empowers state attorneys general to sue federal officials over immigration policies deemed harmful. While some Democrats criticize the bill as politically motivated, Republicans argue it is a necessary measure to enhance public safety. Senator Raphael Warnock criticized the House bill as “smoke and mirrors,” urging for a more serious approach rather than “demagoguing this tragic death.”
Former President Trump, who met with Laken Riley’s mother, Allyson Phillips, and stepfather, has directly attributed her death to the Biden administration’s immigration policies, amidst record levels of migrants crossing the southern border. Allyson Phillips has refrained from media interviews during the ongoing investigation. In a Facebook comment, she expressed her dismay at Biden’s mention of her daughter, stating it was “pathetic” that he did not even know her name.
Laken Riley in an undated family handout photo.
The suspect in Laken Riley’s murder is Jose Antonio Ibarra, a Venezuelan national who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022. He had a prior arrest in New York for endangering a child and shoplifting charges in Georgia. Ibarra was arrested and charged with malice murder, aggravated battery, kidnapping, and concealing a death. Authorities have described the attack as a “crime of opportunity,” with no apparent specific motive.
Jason Riley believes his daughter’s killing exposes failures in the vetting process for individuals entering the U.S., though he is unsure if stricter vetting would have prevented this specific tragedy. He acknowledged the desire of migrants for a better life but stressed the need to prevent violent criminals, particularly those who prey on women, from entering the country. Despite claims linking migrants to a crime wave, data suggests there is no widespread evidence of a migrant-driven surge in crime.
The University of Georgia community has responded to the tragedy with demands for increased campus security. The university has committed over $7 million to enhance safety measures, including more police presence and emergency call boxes. Jason Riley, however, has intentionally avoided news coverage of the case details, choosing instead to focus on cherishing his daughter’s memory. He found solace in the outpouring of support at her funeral and the establishment of a scholarship fund and foundation by her mother’s family to promote awareness of homicides and young women’s safety.
Ultimately, for the Laken Riley family, the focus remains on honoring Laken’s life and legacy beyond the political noise. “She was only 22. She had a lot of life left to give to the world,” Jason Riley reflected. His poignant wish encapsulates the sentiment of a grieving father: “If everybody could live like Laken,” he concluded, “it would make the world a better place.” The Laken Riley family hopes that amidst the political discussions, Laken will be remembered for the kind, impactful person she was, and that her legacy will contribute to positive change.
