Venezuelan illegal alien arrested over fatal shooting of Loyola University student near Chicago campus

A Venezuelan illegal immigrant has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old Loyola University Chicago student near campus on Thursday.

According to a report by the Chicago Tribune, the 25-year-old suspect, whose name has not been publicly disclosed, was wearing a mask when he gunned down 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman of Westchester County, New York. Gorman was walking with her friends shortly after 1:30 am on Thursday along Chicago’s lakefront when the gunman approached the group, pulled out a weapon, and opened fire, striking her in the head. She was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the Chicago Police Department, no other injuries were reported.

The suspect was reportedly identified just minutes after the shooting due to a “distinct limp.” The Tribune reported that he faced a misdemeanor shoplifting charge in 2023 and still has an outstanding warrant as of September 2023 for failing to appear for a court date. Fox News reported that the suspect is a Venezuelan migrant.

Loyola University Chicago President Mark C. Reed issued a letter to students on Thursday addressing the death, writing, “This is a tragic loss, and our hearts go out to Sheridan’s family, loved ones, and all who knew her."

The shooting marks the latest act of violence in Chicago involving an illegal immigrant. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order last year prohibiting the use of city property for federal immigration operations. The mayor said at the time, “We will not tolerate ICE agents violating our residents’ constitutional rights nor will we allow the federal government to disregard our local authority.”