'This death was preventable': JB Pritzker faces resignation calls over Sheridan Gorman's murder

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Illinois Gov JB Pritzker is facing intense backlash after issuing a statement on the murder of Sheridan Gorman in Chicago, with critics accusing him of responsibility and calling for his resignation.

The controversy erupted after the governor described the killing as a “tragedy,” even as anger quickly grew online over the circumstances surrounding the case.

JB Pritzker's statement on Sheridan Gorman's murder

Pritzker shared a message on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, March 23, expressing sympathy for the victim and her family.

“Sheridan Gorman's murder is a tragedy and the person responsible must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” he wrote.

“My deepest condolences to the family, friends, and Loyola University community grieving this devastating loss. May her memory be a blessing,” Pritzker added. 

While the statement struck a measured tone, it didn’t take long for his comments to draw criticism, with many directly blaming the governor.

Internet tells JB Pritzker to hold himself accountable

“The only reason you posted this is because you know this blood is on your hands! You and your sanctuary BS! You and your refusal to cooperate with ICE! You with your love of illegals over Americans! Spare us your faux condolences! May you rest in Peace Angel” one user wrote.

Another added, “This death was entirely preventable, Governor 'If you come for my people, you're gonna come through me' Pritzker. Own it. Let it haunt you. May you 'never know a moment of peace.'"

“The person responsible (at least one of)....is you,” one tweet read. 

Another said, “Took a while for a statement. Her murder is on you.”

“Do the right thing and hold yourself accountable then,” one more wrote. 

Sharing an interview clip, a user wrote, "J.B. Pritzker is 100% responsible for what happened to Sheridan. 'We don't need ICE here, that isn't going to help anyone'. Sheridan would be alive today This is you saying that In the same spot she was killed by an illegal alien. RESIGN immediately."

Jose Medina arrested as details emerge in Sheridan Gorman's murder

Authorities have arrested Jose Medina, a 25-year-old Venezuelan national, in connection with the case. 

Gorman, an 18-year-old college freshman, was shot and killed last Thursday while walking with friends to a pier at Tobey Prinz Beach in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood to view the Northern Lights, according to the family’s attorney.

Police used facial recognition software to identify the suspect, comparing surveillance images with records from US Customs and Border Protection.

Investigators later confirmed that the images matched Medina, leading to his arrest on multiple charges, including first-degree murder.

Questions raised over Jose Medina's prior arrest and release

The case has drawn additional attention due to Medina’s prior legal history.

Court records show that an arrest warrant had been issued for him in 2023 after he failed to appear in court on shoplifting charges.

Federal officials have since said he should not have been released following that earlier arrest.

This detail has fueled criticism from those who argue that different decisions earlier could have changed the outcome.

Much of the backlash directed at Pritzker centers on his stance on immigration enforcement and cooperation with federal agencies after the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement saying that Medina entered the US illegally. Several critics referenced Chicago's sanctuary city status and questioned the state’s approach. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.