Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz faced heated criticism from angry residents during a news briefing on public safety in the community following the murder of nursing student Laken Riley last week. The Democratic mayor addressed the public nearly a week after the alleged attack by an illegal immigrant named Jose Antonio Ibarra near Lake Herrick and UGA's Intramural Fields.

Protesters interrupted Mayor Girtz as he spoke about the city's public safety measures, with some accusing him of having "blood on his hands" for the murder. Despite the accusations, Girtz emphasized that Georgia law does not allow for sanctuary cities and denied the characterization of Athens as a sanctuary.

During the briefing, Girtz highlighted the steps being taken by the local government to enhance public safety, including the establishment of a real-time crime center that will monitor surveillance cameras around the clock. He also mentioned pay raises for police officers and recent expansion of the department's staffing.

The mayor's remarks came a day after UGA announced a $7 million investment in improving on-campus security measures. Girtz acknowledged that while murders in Athens-Clarke County have decreased over the years, there is still more work to be done to ensure the safety of the growing population in the city.

The tragic incident involving Laken Riley has sparked discussions about public safety and law enforcement in Athens, with the community demanding answers and accountability in the wake of the murder.