NY Governor Dodges Question on Apology for Victims of Illegal Immigrant Crime

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declined to directly apologize to the families of individuals killed by undocumented immigrants when confronted by Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman during a gubernatorial debate. Instead, Hochul shifted the focus to Americans killed by federal immigration agents.

Blakeman pressed Hochul on the issue, referencing victims who would "never get to sit at another Thanksgiving dinner, never be able to open their presents on their Christmas tree." He specifically asked if she would apologize and return calls from the parents of Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old Loyola University Chicago student from Yorktown, New York, who was fatally shot near her campus. Jose Medina-Medina, an undocumented immigrant, faces charges in connection with Gorman's death.

Hochul responded by stating that all crimes are "heartbreaking" and that she "abhor[s] all crimes, regardless of the perpetrator." She highlighted her administration's efforts to support law enforcement and reduce crime, stating that billions have been spent to help police do their jobs. She asserted that crime, particularly violent crime, has been driven to historic lows in the state through significant effort and legislative changes.

However, Hochul did not directly address Blakeman's request for an apology or his question about contacting Gorman's parents. She instead brought up the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed in separate confrontations with federal immigration agents in Minneapolis in January. Hochul accused Blakeman of finding those killings justified, stating, "when an American mother was murdered by ICE agents, you said that her killing was justified." She added, "I apologize for any pain that has happened to anyone."

The exchange drew criticism on social media, with some accusing Hochul of insensitivity. Critics argued that she failed to apologize to victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants and did not take ownership of sanctuary policies. Voters will decide between Hochul and Blakeman in the upcoming November election for New York governor.