Jessica Gorman, the mother of Sheridan Gorman, testified before the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, describing the circumstances surrounding her daughter's death.
Sheridan, an 18‑year‑old student at Loyola University, was shot in the head by a masked gunman while walking with friends in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. The incident occurred in the presence of multiple witnesses, and Sheridan died at the scene.
Authorities identified the shooter as a 25‑year‑old Venezuelan national who entered the United States without legal authorization. The suspect had previously been arrested twice before the fatal shooting.
During her testimony, Gorman emphasized that her daughter's murder was linked to what she described as failed border policies and sanctuary‑city regulations that, in her view, hinder cooperation with immigration enforcement agencies.
She questioned whether protecting American citizens remains a priority for lawmakers, asking when the focus on public safety shifted away from citizens' welfare.
Gorman also spoke about Sheridan’s personal qualities, recalling her daughter’s “extravagant love” for others and noting her involvement in a community “Buddy Bench” program that encouraged kindness among students.
Following the hearing, Gorman and her husband expressed frustration with what they perceived as a lack of bipartisan response, describing the committee’s discussion as dismissive of their concerns.
The hearing marked the fourth time the Judiciary Committee has convened to examine sanctuary‑city policies, prompting questions about the effectiveness of repeated hearings without substantive legislative action.
Gorman and her husband called for immediate policy reforms, urging lawmakers to prioritize the safety of children and to pursue collaborative solutions that address both immigration enforcement and community protection.
The testimony adds to an ongoing national debate over immigration policy, border security, and the role of sanctuary jurisdictions in federal law enforcement.
