Residents of Athens, Georgia are calling for the mayor's resignation following the tragic murder of Lakin Riley. The mayor's recent comments at a news conference attributing the city's lenient immigration policies to the incident have sparked outrage among the community.
A concerned lifelong resident of Athens is spearheading a rally titled 'Make Athens Safe Again' in response to the tragedy. The rally is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5th at 5:30 PM at City Hall. The organizer emphasized the urgency of addressing safety concerns in the city, citing a recent uptick in crime rates and homelessness.
The organizer expressed deep sympathy for Lakin Riley's family and highlighted the personal impact of the tragedy, noting that it could have easily affected her own loved ones. She underscored the need for prioritizing the safety and well-being of citizens over undocumented immigrants.
One of the key objectives of the rally is to petition for enhanced safety measures in Athens. The organizer pointed out the absence of Georgia from the list of sanctuary states and cities, emphasizing the need to address the safety of residents and UGA students.
Concerns about safety in Athens were further underscored by incidents such as homeless individuals behaving erratically in public spaces, posing risks to community members. The organizer recounted a distressing encounter with a person wielding a baseball bat near her vehicle, highlighting the sense of insecurity prevalent in the city.
With the rally aiming to draw attention to the pressing safety issues in Athens, the organizer's ultimate goal is to foster a safer environment for all residents. By mobilizing community support and advocating for change, the rally seeks to address the growing safety concerns and ensure a secure future for the city.