The office of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has broken its silence on the murder of Loyola University freshman Sheridan Gorman, who was allegedly killed by Jose Medina-Medina, a Venezuelan national. The Governor’s office expressed condolences for the 18-year-old’s death, but also criticized President Donald Trump for politicizing the tragedy.
Murder of Sheridan Gorman
Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old student from Yorktown Heights, New York, was tragically shot and killed while admiring the aurora borealis along Lake Michigan. Her death sparked outrage across the country, with the initial response notably absent from Springfield. Governor Pritzker’s office shared a statement with Fox News Digital expressing sympathy for the Loyola University community and those grieving her loss.
“Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and Loyola University community grieving the senseless murder of Sheridan Gorman,” the statement said. “Violent crime has no place in our streets, and we expect the alleged perpetrator to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Pritzker’s Response to Trump’s Politicization
Governor Pritzker’s office also took the opportunity to address Trump’s comments, accusing him of politicizing the tragedy. Pritzker’s office emphasized the importance of focusing on solutions, particularly reinstating federal funding aimed at preventing violence and supporting public safety efforts.
“The Trump administration needs to stop politicizing heinous tragedies and instead focus on real solutions,” the statement added.
Immigration Policies and the Laken Riley Act
The tragic incident has also stirred political debate over immigration policies. Jose Medina-Medina, the man accused of Gorman’s murder, is a Venezuelan national who was previously subject to an ICE detainer.
However, Illinois operates as a sanctuary jurisdiction and enforces the TRUST Act, which prevents local and state authorities from cooperating with federal immigration authorities unless specific conditions are met, including the presence of a federal criminal warrant.
ICE issued a detainer for Medina-Medina over the weekend, but due to Chicago’s sanctuary status, local law enforcement cannot hold him for federal transfer beyond his scheduled release date unless the required federal warrant is presented.
This brings the Laken Riley Act into the conversation — a law signed by Trump that mandates local authorities hold illegal immigrants until federal authorities can take them into custody, even if they have not yet been convicted of a crime.
Medina-Medina’s Charges and Legal Proceedings
Medina-Medina faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a weapon, and aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon. He has a history of criminal encounters, including a shoplifting arrest years ago.
Medina-Medina was scheduled for a detention hearing on Monday, but due to concerns that he might have tuberculosis, the judge decided to delay the hearing.
