In Athens, Georgia, Democrat Mayor Kelly Girtz faced intense backlash during a press conference addressing the murder of 22-year-old University of Georgia student Laken Riley by an illegal immigrant. Residents accused Girtz of having 'blood on his hands' due to the city's sanctuary policies, which they argue contributed to Riley's death. The mayor attempted to deflect blame onto former President Donald Trump, suggesting his rhetoric towards illegal immigrants was partly responsible. However, this stance only fueled further outrage, with calls for Girtz's resignation intensifying. Girtz also claimed that crime and illegal immigration are 'not connected', a statement that sparked controversy. The controversy centers around the city's approach to undocumented immigrants, particularly those of Latinx heritage, and the perceived connection between sanctuary city policies and local crime rates. The Georgia GOP is reportedly considering measures to tighten restrictions on local officials who refuse to cooperate with ICE, highlighting the broader political and social ramifications of the incident.
Athens mayor defends dedication to "undocumented neighbors" of "Latinx heritage" after Laken Riley’s murder while residents scream over him to resign https://t.co/ZUBrW3lC68 https://t.co/ZUBrW3lC68
“Blood on your hands!” @kellygirtz, the leftist mayor of Athens, Ga., was heckled at a presser about the brutal murder of a young woman allegedly by an illegal migrant. The mayor & leftist city council had declared Athens a haven for illegal aliens. Read: https://t.co/AsFqyznNpH
Georgia GOP Looks To Crack Down On Sheriffs, Jailers Who Shield Illegal Immigrants From ICE After Laken Riley Murder https://t.co/k1u30Civ57
Georgia Mayor Gets Shouted Down for Claiming No Connection Between Illegal Immigration and Crime https://t.co/b6K0WPHyVM
The mayor of Athens, Georgia recently gave a pathetic press conference deflecting blame for the murder of a young UGA student allegedly by an illegal immigrant, defending open borders and sanctuary cities, and naturally, referencing Donald Trump https://t.co/2d3d91mqi3
'You're fired!' Angry residents confront Democrat mayor for defending immigration policies after Laken Riley murder https://t.co/yzr6yFmpA3 https://t.co/acPm35Sh5u
The mayor of Athens, Ga., where an illegal immigrant was recently charged with murdering a nursing student, said that crime and illegal immigration are “not connected.” https://t.co/rwnr2Vta2t
'BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS!': Athens Mayor Shifts Blame on Laken Riley Murder, Crowd Calls Him Out [WATCH] https://t.co/xBhG3eoDQN
“You’re a Liar…You Have Blood on Your Hands!” – Athens, Georgia Residents Rip Apart Woke Mayor After He Lies About Role in Illegal Alien Murderer of Beloved College Student (VIDEO) via @gatewaypundit https://t.co/aAkqPs3IUQ
Protesters call for Athens mayor to resign in wake of Laken Riley’s murder https://t.co/kGkla6lnDg https://t.co/kGkla6lnDg
Dem Georgia mayor mercilessly heckled over ‘sanctuary cities’ policies after disturbing murder of Laken Riley https://t.co/jlMA6Wk98M https://t.co/rLXxN9idQA
Outraged Georgians demanded Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz resign during a heated press conference on the city's crime and immigration policy Wednesday morning. Read more: https://t.co/Vsz1P7IkwO https://t.co/9QXOTbcDya
An illegal immigrant murdered a student in Athens, GA, and the mayor says that threats to his community includes Trump's warning that illegal immigration invites murderers into the US. https://t.co/dYs0u4LwxC
Athens mayor defends city’s dedication to "undocumented neighbors" of "Latinx heritage" after Laken Riley’s murder https://t.co/tEjeNn7XaA https://t.co/tEjeNn7XaA
BREAKING: The Democrat Mayor of Athens, GA just attempted to blame Donald Trump for the death of Laken Riley instead of illegal immigration. This is disgusting and he should resign IMMEDIATELY. https://t.co/QN9cMPaDHQ
BREAKING: The Democrat Mayor of Athens, GA just attempted to blame Donald Trump for the death of Landen Riley instead of illegal immigration. This is disgusting and he should resign IMMEDIATELY. https://t.co/QN9cMPaDHQ
Laken Riley press conference: Georgia mayor says Trump was mean to illegal immigrants, gets shouted down by angry residents https://t.co/jnEv9vNcoC
‘Son, I’m Going To Ask You To Leave!’ Chaos Breaks Out at Athens, Georgia Mayor’s Presser on Laken Riley Murder https://t.co/biLTNTgRwU
Athens, Georgia Mayor Kelly Girtz claims the term sanctuary city means “different things to different people.” Residents called him out. One resident yelled, “You are guilty and have blood on your hands!” Regarding the murder of 22-year-old UGA student Laken Riley. https://t.co/jMGTaKLsv0