[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 36 (Wednesday, February 28, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H733-H734]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING LAKEN HOPE RILEY

  (Mr. COLLINS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, we, the Georgia delegation, rise tonight to 
honor the life and legacy of Laken Riley, who was murdered last week in 
Athens, Georgia, on the campus of the University of Georgia.
  Allow me to share a few words about Laken directly from her parents:
  Laken was an amazing daughter, sister, and friend.
  She was selfless, lived to be an example for others, and was a 
dedicated servant of her community from a young age.
  Laken's servant heart came from her love for our Lord and Savior, 
Jesus Christ, who guided her steps and shaped the way she lived.
  Her faith informed her decision to enter the nursing program at 
Augusta University where she joined the A Chi O sorority and made 
countless friends who loved her and miss her dearly.
  I will conclude with this message to Laken from her mom and dad: 
``Rest in peace, our angel. We look forward to seeing you again one day 
in heaven. Until then, we will do our best to make you proud.''
  God help us.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Loudermilk).
  Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for taking this 
moment to recognize the life of Laken Hope Riley.
  Mr. Speaker, parents and communities across the State of Georgia are 
extremely shocked, heartbroken, and outraged about the murder of Laken 
Hope Riley.
  She was only 22 years old. She had a lot of life before her, but we 
should also focus mostly on the life and the legacy that she lived in 
her short time here.
  She was a nursing student from Woodstock, Georgia, but her tragic 
death has devastated our community and sent shock waves across the 
State. Our prayers are with Laken's family and friends as they begin to 
navigate this tremendously difficult time.
  It is clear from her parents that Laken was a special young lady who 
went out of her way to make everyone feel special and part of her 
family.
  She was a gifted and exemplary student, a talented athlete, and the 
light of her family and community. Her parents describe her character 
and her loving nature this way:


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       She knew when to listen. She knew when to speak. She knew 
     when to give you some tough love, and she knew when you 
     needed a hug.
       She will forever be our loving oldest daughter and the best 
     big sister and role model a parent could ask for.

  We will not rest until we ensure justice for her and her family.
  Colleagues, will you please join in a moment of silence for Laken 
Hope Riley, a wonderful young woman taken from her family and this 
world much too soon.

                          ____________________