Four days after the fatal shooting of Sheridan Gorman, Gov. J.B. Pritzker publicly responded, offering condolences as criticism has mounted over the timing and substance of his remarks.
“Sheridan Gorman’s murder is a tragedy — and the person responsible must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. My deepest condolences to the family, friends, and Loyola University community grieving this devastating loss. May her memory be a blessing,” Gov. JB Pritzker said on X.
Pritzker’s response followed days of criticism on social media.
“Four days later. Can’t say that her killer was an illegal alien. Doesn’t apologize for his sanctuary policies allowing him to be out on the street. And she probably won’t get a wreath from him either,” X user Greg Price said in a post.
Authorities say Jose Medina-Medina, a Venezuelan national, fatally shot 18-year-old Loyola University Chicago freshman Sheridan Gorman on March 19 in Rogers Park. Masked and armed, he allegedly opened fire as Gorman and her friends fled, striking her in the head. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sheridan Gorman, the 18-year-old Loyola University Chicago freshman who was fatally shot, allegedly by a Venezuelan illegal immigrant, on March 19 in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. (Facebook / DuPage County Republicans)
Medina-Medina was arrested March 20 and faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a firearm and unlawful possession of a weapon.
A March 23 detention hearing was postponed after officials reported he is suffering from tuberculosis.
The case has fueled debate over Illinois immigration and sanctuary policies, with critics arguing that prior releases let the suspect remain free despite the Laken Riley Act, signed by President Trump on January 29, 2025, which requires federal detention of undocumented immigrants charged with theft, burglary, larceny, shoplifting or assault on law enforcement.
According to DHS, Medina-Medina had previously been apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol in 2023 and released into the country, and was arrested months later in Chicago for shoplifting but released again.
The Fox News Politics account posted about Pritzker’s delay.
“DELAYED RESPONSE: After days of silence, Gov. Pritzker’s office grieves Loyola freshman Sheridan Gorman’s death but refuses to commit to holding alleged killer Jose Medina-Medina for federal transfer under the Laken Riley Act,” Fox News Politics said on X.
In a separate statement to Fox News, Pritzker’s office criticized President Donald Trump, saying the Trump administration “needs to stop politicizing heinous tragedies and instead focus on real solutions.”
Democrat leaders, including Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, have backed billions in public spending to aid migrants.
A 2024 analysis by State Rep. Chris Miller (R-Oakland), chair of the Illinois Freedom Caucus, found Illinois lawmakers have incentivized and awarded illegal immigration by spending an estimated $2.84 billion since mid-2022 on undocumented immigrant services, $820 million for support programs and over $2 billion on health care through FY 2025, excluding education and other costs. Republicans have pushed to end these benefits and repeal the 2017 TRUST Act, which enshrines sanctuary policies.
At a March 24 press conference, Emmy Award-winning independent reporter William J. Kelly questioned Johnson about the lack of immediate statements from city and state leaders.
“Sheridan Gorman is dead today at the hands of a suspect, an illegal alien, who was out on the streets because of your policies,” Kelly said. “You’ve spent hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to protect these illegal aliens you’ve instructed the Chicago Police Department. Not to turn them over to ICE. Do you have anything? You didn’t even issue a statement, which I guess is better than the statement you released.”
He also asked whether Johnson’s lack of response was coordinated with Pritzker’s.
“Did you coordinate with Governor Pritzker not to release statements as a way of trying to diminish the death?” Kelly asked.
Johnson denied the accusation.
