Mother of Slain Student Criticizes Democrats Over Sanctuary Policies

Jessica Gorman, the mother of Sheridan Gorman, a Loyola University Chicago student who was fatally shot in March 2026, sharply criticized Democratic lawmakers on Thursday. Gorman accused several members of Congress of showing disdain and disrespect during a recent hearing where she testified about her daughter's death and the policies surrounding undocumented immigrants.

Sheridan Gorman, 18, was killed in Chicago by Jose Medina, a Venezuelan national who had entered the U.S. illegally. Medina had previously been released after a shoplifting arrest. Jessica Gorman recounted her daughter's death during a gathering in Washington D.C. that also included Justice Department and administration officials.

During her testimony at a House hearing on sanctuary policies, Gorman stated that she heard laughter from lawmakers as she described losing her daughter. She specifically called out Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., for her remarks during the hearing. Gorman recounted Jayapal saying it was the fourth hearing of its kind and that there were "many other things we could be doing."

"We were all insulted by Democrat Representative Jayapal telling me — literally telling me — and all the other angel families in the room … with disdain on her face, that there’s other things they could be doing except listening to four sessions," Gorman said.

She added that families were given only five minutes to share their children's stories, and criticized Jayapal's perceived impatience. Gorman also accused Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-NY, of appearing to nap during the proceedings.

Stephen Federico, the father of Logan Federico, another student killed during a home invasion, also spoke at the event. Federico highlighted that his daughter was killed by a U.S. citizen with a long criminal record, not an undocumented immigrant, and expressed frustration with the broader criminal justice system.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Jayapal's office for comment.