SOTU 2024: Biden confuses Laken Riley with Lincoln Riley in pitch for immigration bill
Deceased Laken Riley, US President Joe Biden, USC Coach Lincoln Riley
During the recent State of the Union address, President Joe Biden found himself at the centreof a lighthearted yet embarrassing moment as he confused the deceased nursing student Laken Riley with Lincoln Riley, the USC Head Coach. Joe Biden, who is giving a speech for the first time after announcing his candidacy for a second presidential run, also compared thousands of refugees trying to enter the country with Riley, leaving the internet confused like never before.
Biden was seen raising the Laken Riley support pin, given to him by US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. He then confused the deceased nursing student Laken Riley's name with Lincoln Riley.
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Lincoln Riley is the USC Head Coach.
US Representative Greene launched the initiatives "Say Her Name Laken Riley" and "STOP THE BIDEN BORDER CRISIS". Marjorie was sporting a T-shirt honouring the late 22-year-old.
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The debate on social media intensified after thiscomparison.
Biden then went on to compare Lincoln Riley with the countless refugees seeking entry into the country and was then accused ofusing the "narrative to pitch for his immigration bill."
Biden said he was concerned about accidentally hurting innocent immigrants who are only trying to support their families but added that the situation remains complex.
The US president mentioned Riley's name after it was called out by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who said she was murdered by "an illegal".
In response, while wrapping up the speech, Biden listed down the things he won't do on immigration. He said, "I will not demonise immigrants saying they 'poison the blood of our country' as he said in his own words," referring to former President Donald Trump's infamous repetition of Adolf Hitler's words.
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The President of The United States added, "I will not separate families. I will not ban people from America because of their faith," he added while referring to Donald Trump’s zero-tolerance policy and the so-called "Muslim ban."
(With inputs from agencies)