Backlash Over Student Newspaper’s Coverage of Murder Case
The student newspaper at Loyola University Chicago is facing criticism for its handling of the murder of freshman Sheridan Gorman, especially after its editors labeled the suspected killer as an “illegal immigrant.”
Initially, the Loyola Phoenix reported accurately on Monday about the status of the murder suspect, Jose Medina-Medina, who has been charged in the murder of 18-year-old Gorman, describing him as an illegal alien.
The headline stated, “Immigrant man charged with murder of Sheridan Gorman, DHS involved,” referring to Medina, a 25-year-old Venezuelan national.
However, the Phoenix later altered the article to refer to Medina as a “Rogers Park resident,” citing the Chicago neighborhood near Loyola’s campus where the shooting occurred while Gorman was walking with a friend.
In a detailed editor’s note, the newspaper explained, “The headline did not reflect the most important elements of the story and was removed after several minutes to prevent further harm to affected residents.”
The note further clarified that initial descriptions used terms such as “illegal immigrant,” which were based on language from the Department of Homeland Security. They acknowledged that such language does not align with The Associated Press style or the paper’s values.
DHS mentioned that while the article pointed out Medina was “in the United States illegally,” they emphasized, “Human presence is not illegal. We quickly changed the wording to reflect that.”
The newspaper’s abrupt shift drew sharp reactions from the public.
One user commented, “If I were her parents, this would be limiting!” while another remarked, “No dystopia can evoke the college leftists like they do now. They are beyond parody.” Yet another user expressed frustration, saying, “Apologies to the murderer. Just woke up like usual.”
The Loyola Phoenix has not responded to requests for comments.
Additionally, criticism has been directed at Chicago’s democrats for their response to Gorman’s murder. City Councilwoman Maria Hadden faced backlash for suggesting Gorman was “in the wrong place at the wrong time” and that Medina might have been “surprised” when he allegedly shot the teen.
Reports indicate Gorman had approached a group of individuals, including Medina, and was shot in the head while wearing a mask.
After her comments drew ire, Hadden, a progressive ally of the mayor, said conservative media had “misinterpreted” her words.
On Tuesday, Mayor Brandon Johnson refrained from apologizing to Gorman’s family for backing sanctuary city policies that let Medina remain in Chicago at that time.
The White House linked Gorman’s murder to border and sanctuary policies in cities like Chicago. It was noted that Medina had previously been intercepted at the border in 2023 but was released on two occasions during President Biden’s administration.
The White House remarked, “An avoidable tragedy. Sheridan Gorman was murdered by an illegal alien who will be released into the United States in 2023 under the Biden administration. This is a direct result of the failure of border and sanctuary city policies.”
Gorman’s parents, from Yorktown Heights, New York, shared a heartfelt tribute to their daughter on Sunday. Her mother, Jessica Gorman, expressed her determination to seek “justice” for her daughter in an interview.
