ALBANY Lee Greenwood surprised concertgoers at Albany's Fourth of July River Rhythms show, when he looked out at them and announced that undocumented immigrants are coming to kill them. Now, local human rights groups are calling on the city to take action opposing his "hateful language" and devising preventative measures so something like this doesn't happen again. What happened? On Independence Day, country music performer Greenwood kicked off the 40th iteration of the River Rhythms concert series and the unveiling of the Monteith Riverpark's multimillion-dollar makeover.
Greenwood has been an avowed MAGA supporter and made national headlines earlier this year for his collaboration with former President Donald Trump in co-selling a $60 bible. In Albany, Greenwood didn't shy away from political rhetoric in between songs and told the audience they could purchase the Bible on his website. He offered up a definition of a patriot, someone "who loves his country unconditionally," Greenwood told spectators.
But it's not perfect. "The only thing we hope for is that we can stop illegal immigration. Because the people that are coming through are coming through to kill you," Greenwood said before segueing into his last song.
The sentiment mimics a far-right talking point rooted in misinformation. In a public records request, Mid-Valley Media obtained a video taken by a member of the public and sent to the city. The video footage shows Greenwood speaking from the stage as a crowd watche.
