An 18-year-old Loyola University Chicago student was tragically killed early Thursday morning while walking with friends along the city’s lakefront. The shooting occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m., when a masked gunman fired at Sheridan Gorman, striking her in the head. She died at the scene.
Authorities say a 25-year-old man, identified as a Venezuelan migrant, is in custody in connection with the killing. According to the Chicago Tribune, police quickly located the suspect within minutes, in part because he had a noticeable limp. However, officials have not confirmed whether he has been formally charged.
In a letter to students, Loyola University Chicago President Mark C. Reed expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “It is with profound sadness that I write to share that one of our students, Sheridan Gorman, was killed earlier today. This is a tragic loss, and our hearts go out to Sheridan’s family, loved ones, and all who knew her,” Reed wrote.
Gorman, a resident of Westchester County, New York, had been enjoying time with friends when the shooting occurred. Her family, who had planned a summer visit, are now preparing for her funeral.
The case has drawn attention from federal authorities. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) filed an arrest detainer requesting that local officials not release the suspect. DHS criticized sanctuary policies, saying they allowed a criminal illegal alien to remain in the U.S. despite prior arrests. According to DHS, the suspect had been previously detained by U.S. Border Patrol in May 2023 and released, and later arrested for shoplifting in Chicago in June 2023 before being released again.
ICE officials have also called on Illinois authorities to honor federal arrest warrants for criminal illegal aliens in state custody, including individuals charged with murder, weapons offenses, and other serious crimes.
Nationally, ICE enforcement has increased in recent months. Data reviewed by The New York Times shows that arrests are averaging more than 1,100 per day this year, compared with roughly 600 per day last spring. Arrest trends vary by region, with some cities seeing steep increases and others, particularly those with sanctuary policies, experiencing slower growth or declines.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not yet released a complete account of the events or confirmed all charges against the suspect. Meanwhile, Loyola University and the broader community are mourning the loss of a young life cut tragically short.
