Former President Bill Clinton said during a campaign speech that the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley could have been prevented if the alleged killer, an illegal immigrant, had been properly vetted.
Former President Bill Clinton has weighed in on the tragic murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, suggesting that the incident could have been prevented if the alleged killer, an illegal immigrant, had been properly vetted.
During a campaign speech for Vice President Kamala Harris in Fort Valley, Georgia, Clinton pointed to the death of Riley as an example of the potential consequences of insufficient border control. He accused former President Donald Trump of blocking a bipartisan border compromise in Congress because he wanted to use the issue as a political wedge.
Clinton Blames Lack of Vetting for Murder of Georgia Nursing Student
Clinton argued that the compromise bill, which included provisions for enhanced vetting of potential immigrants, could have prevented Riley's death by ensuring that people entering the country were properly screened.
However, it is important to note that the alleged killer in Riley's case had already been vetted by Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) upon entering the country. According to CBP, the individual was encountered on September 8, 2022, near El Paso, Texas, and was "paroled and released for further processing."
Clinton Blames Lack of Vetting for Murder of Georgia Nursing Student
Clinton also praised the Biden-Harris administration's handling of the border, claiming that illegal crossings have decreased over the past three years. However, Republicans have criticized the administration's border policy, citing the record number of border crossings since Biden took office.
Clinton's speech focused heavily on the issue of illegal immigration, a topic that has become a hot-button issue in the 2024 election cycle. Democrats are emphasizing their support for tougher border security measures, while Republicans continue to criticize the Biden administration's handling of the border.
Clinton Blames Lack of Vetting for Murder of Georgia Nursing Student
Clinton also dismissed the Republican-coined term "border czar," which has been used to label Vice President Harris's role in addressing border issues. He asserted that Harris's job is to work with other countries to establish legal immigration processes and prevent illegal trafficking.
Clinton accused Trump of deliberately undermining border security efforts for political gain. He claimed that Trump blocked the bipartisan border compromise because he wanted to maintain the issue as a divisive political talking point.
Clinton Blames Lack of Vetting for Murder of Georgia Nursing Student
Clinton's comments come as he embarks on a campaign swing through rural America in support of Harris's 2024 presidential bid. The issue of illegal immigration is likely to remain a central theme in the election campaign, with both parties seeking to frame the debate based on their respective stances.
Overall, Clinton's speech highlights the complex and contentious nature of the immigration issue in the United States. While he suggests that enhanced vetting could have prevented Riley's murder, it is crucial to consider the broader context and the ongoing political debate surrounding border security and illegal immigration.
Clinton Blames Lack of Vetting for Murder of Georgia Nursing Student
