Angel Mom Confronts Politicians Over Sanctuary Policy Priorities
WHO:
Fox News - Jessica Gorman, mother of Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old college student murdered in Chicago.
Fox News - Jose Medina, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, identified as the accused killer of Sheridan Gorman.
Fox News - Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., chair of the House Judiciary subcommittee.
Fox News - Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., ranking member of the House Judiciary subcommittee.
NY Post - Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., who introduced Jessica Gorman at the hearing.
WHAT:
Fox News - Jessica Gorman stated, "I want you to imagine that little girl on the 'buddy bench,' that innocent college freshman with a heart full of compassion and a head full of dreams that was gunned down by an illegal immigrant."
Fox News - Gorman challenged lawmakers, saying, "I challenge you all to sit down with me. Take my hand, look me in the eye, and then explain to me, because I just don't understand."
Fox News - Gorman expressed that she had never expected to become a public advocate, stating, "I’m a lover, not a fighter. I’m not a public speaker. I’m not someone who ever speaks out about things. I have to."
Fox News - Jessica Gorman delivered emotional testimony during a congressional hearing on sanctuary policies.
Fox News - Gorman accused sanctuary city leaders of failing to protect her daughter.
Fox News - Gorman challenged lawmakers to explain why "people here illegally matter more" than American citizens.
Fox News - The hearing focused on whether sanctuary policies put Americans at risk.
NY Post - Lawler criticized the Biden administration's open border policies during the hearing.
WHERE:
Fox News - The congressional hearing took place in Washington, D.C.
Fox News - Sheridan Gorman was murdered in Chicago, specifically at Tobey Prinz Beach.
WHEN:
Fox News - Sheridan Gorman was shot and killed on March 19.
Fox News - The congressional hearing occurred on a Tuesday, though the specific date is not provided.
WHY:
Fox News - Gorman's motivation to confront lawmakers stemmed from her daughter's death, which she described as forcing her into advocacy.
Fox News - Jessica Gorman's testimony was motivated by the murder of her daughter by an illegal immigrant who had previously committed a crime and had an outstanding warrant.
HOW:
Fox News - The hearing grew heated when Rep. Mike Lawler was interrupted multiple times by Democrats while he laid out details leading up to the murder of Sheridan Gorman.
Fox News - Jessica Gorman expressed her feelings by invoking a childhood story about her daughter and used emotional appeals during her testimony.
(UPDATED July 1, 2026 19:37 UTC)
Jessica Gorman, speaking on Fox News, shared her heartbreak over the tragic loss of her daughter, an innocent college freshman, who was gunned down by an illegal immigrant, and she challenged lawmakers to engage with her directly to explain the circumstances surrounding this tragedy. Gorman, who never expected to become a public advocate, expressed her reluctance to speak out, saying, "I’m a lover, not a fighter," but felt compelled to do so in light of her daughter's death. Tensions escalated during the hearing as Rep. Mike Lawler faced interruptions from Democrats while detailing the events leading up to Sheridan Gorman's murder.
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(UPDATED July 1, 2026 11:56 UTC)
Jessica Gorman delivered an emotional testimony during a congressional hearing in Washington, D.C., where she accused sanctuary city leaders of failing to protect her daughter, Sheridan Gorman, who was murdered in Chicago by Jose Medina, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela. During her heartfelt appeal, Gorman challenged lawmakers to explain why "people here illegally matter more" than American citizens, while Rep. Mike Lawler criticized the Biden administration's open border policies. The hearing focused on whether sanctuary policies put Americans at risk, highlighting the tragic circumstances surrounding her daughter's death on March 19.