Biden says her name — Laken Riley — at the urging of GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene

By LISA MASCARO and STEPHEN GROVES
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans had demanded but never expected President Joe Biden to say the name Laken Riley during his State of the Union address. But the Democratic president said it. The death of the Georgia nursing student has become a rallying cry for Republicans on border security after a Venezuelan immigrant who entered the U.S. illegally was charged with killing her. Biden was confronted as he walked into the House chamber Thursday by hard-line Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who pressed a button with the phrase “Say her name” into his hand. As Biden spoke on border security, Greene interrupted him. Biden stopped and said, “Laken Riley.” But he garbled the pronunciation, upsetting Republicans.