Sheriff Facing Questions Over Video Amid High Profile Case
On Tuesday, March 23rd, Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz held a news briefing to address rising public safety concerns in the community. However, the briefing was quickly derailed by angry Georgia residents who accused the mayor and the community of being a sanctuary city. The residents pointed to the murder of nursing student Laken Riley, allegedly committed by an illegal immigrant, as proof of their claims.
In response, Girtz vehemently denied the accusation, stating that Georgia law does not allow for sanctuary cities and that the local government has not taken any steps to create one. He also emphasized that the tragic murder of Riley was not a result of the community’s policies or immigration status, but rather a senseless act of violence.
However, residents continued to interrupt and shout accusations at the mayor, forcing him to pause the briefing. This outcry was sparked by a video that resurfaced from 2020, in which then-candidate for Athens-Clarke County sheriff John Williams stated that he would not cooperate with ICE.
In the video, Williams clearly states that he sees it as the sheriff’s responsibility to protect the community and that he will not be contributing to a “culture of fear” by cooperating with detainers. He also promised that there would be no round-ups of undocumented individuals. These statements were seen as evidence that the community’s policies and actions do, in fact, align with those of a sanctuary city.
Residents expressed outrage and frustration at Williams’ past comments, as they believe that his stance on not cooperating with ICE may have played a role in the murder of Laken Riley. Some went so far as to accuse the mayor of having “blood on [his] hands” for the tragedy.
Girtz continued to insist that Athens-Clarke County is not a sanctuary city and that the government does not have the power to create one. He also stated that there is no evidence linking the suspect in Riley’s murder to any local policies or attitudes towards immigration.
The mayor’s remarks were met with mixed reactions from the community. While some still expressed anger and disbelief at his denial of sanctuary city status, others praised Girtz for his calm and professional handling of the situation.
The protest and interruption at the news briefing shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding sanctuary cities and immigration policies in the United States. However, it also highlighted the need for accurate and thorough information from both sides of the argument.
Many residents in Athens-Clarke County are now calling for a closer examination of the local government’s policies and practices regarding immigration and public safety and for a more open and transparent discussion about the issue.
In the wake of this tragic event, the community of Athens-Clarke County is grieving, and tensions are high. However, it is crucial to approach the situation with empathy and understanding, rather than anger and mistrust. The investigation into Laken Riley’s murder is ongoing, and the community must come together to support each other and seek justice for her senseless death.
Moving forward, it is essential for all parties involved to have a civil and productive dialogue about the issue of sanctuary cities and immigration policies. Both sides must come together to find solutions that prioritize safety, security, and compassion, rather than focusing on blame and division.
In the meantime, Mayor Kelly Girtz and other local officials are focusing on providing support and resources for the Riley family and the community as a whole. They are also working to address the public safety concerns that have been brought to light by this tragedy.
The residents of Athens-Clarke County are a tight-knit community, and they are determined to band together and overcome this difficult time. As the investigation continues and more information comes to light, the community must come together and support one another to ensure that Laken Riley’s memory is honored, and her tragic death is not in vain.