The story centers on a resurfaced video of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker calmly praising Chicago’s lakefront while the city reels from the murder of 18-year-old Loyola student Sheridan Gorman by an alleged Venezuelan illegal immigrant, sparking fierce criticism from conservatives who blame sanctuary and open border policies and question local public safety decisions.
Governor JB Pritzker shared footage of a peaceful lakeside walk that showcased joggers and the blue water, a scene he described on camera. “Lots of runners coming by,” he said plainly, then added, “Lakefront path, Lakefront Trail — absolutely gorgeous. Just gorgeous. Look at that overpass. A great lakefront.” The clip was posted to social accounts last September and has resurfaced in the wake of the shooting.
The calm tone of Pritzker’s walk now sits uneasily beside the brutal death of Sheridan Gorman, who was shot near Tobey Prinz Beach Park in Chicago’s District 24. That neighborhood is part of Area 3 on the city’s north side and the killing has reopened questions about whether political decisions on immigration and public safety cost lives.
Conservative commentators were quick to push back against the governor and city leaders for not addressing the murder right away. “Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker & Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson haven’t posted anything about the murder of Sheridan Gorman, allegedly at the hands of a Venezuelan illegal alien,” Fox News Congressional Correspondent Bill Melugin posted on X, and that criticism spread rapidly across social feeds.
“Governor JB Pritzker posted this video of the Chicago lakeside to brag about how safe it is. Sheridan Gorman was just killed there by a Venezuelan immigrant his state law PROTECTED,” End Wokeness, a popular conservative account, wrote That post became a focal point for those arguing the city’s policies are out of touch with reality.
“> crosses the border illegally > released into the country by Biden > arrested for shoplifting > released back onto the street > murders an innocent girl,” former Trump White House staffer Greg Price wrote, summing up the outrage many feel about repeated releases. Other users echoed that frustration, noting the contrast between glossy promotions of the lakefront and street-level violence.
Some posts were blunt and unforgiving, saying Pritzker’s video painted a false picture. “Pritzker posted this video bragging about how safe Chicago’s lakeside is — right where Sheridan Gorman was just killed by a Venezuelan illegal his state law protected. Unreal,” one account wrote, and the sentiment resonated with readers angry about policy and accountability.
Police data shows a mixed picture for the lakefront area: thefts, burglary and motor vehicle theft have improved, but murder, sexual assault and aggravated battery have ticked up. Recent crime statistics for District 24 list three murder cases, 19 sexual assaults and 32 aggravated battery incidents so far in 2026, which is concerning for residents and students who expect safe public spaces.
District 24 ranks second in murders among the six districts in Area 3, which covers a large stretch of the city’s northern neighborhoods. That ranking underscores why the community is watching every development closely and demanding better coordination between city policy and public safety enforcement.
https://x.com/EndWokeness/status/2035821858923135378
Authorities arrested Jose Medina, a Venezuelan national, in connection with Gorman’s murder and charged him accordingly. According to Department of Homeland Security accounts, Medina had previously been apprehended for shoplifting and released in June 2023, and had been detained by U.S. Border Patrol in May 2023 before being allowed to go free then as well.
“Sheridan Gorman had her whole life ahead of her before this cold-blooded killer decided to end her life. She was failed by open border policies and sanctuary politicians who RELEASED this illegal alien TWICE before he went on to commit this heinous murder,” Acting Assistant DHS Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement. “We are calling on Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago’s sanctuary politicians to commit to not releasing this criminal illegal alien from jail back into American neighborhoods.”
The governor’s office did not issue a public response about the lakefront video or the recent crime figures when asked about the situation. Local leaders now face pressure to explain how policy choices intersect with enforcement and whether changes are needed to prevent another tragedy like Sheridan Gorman’s death.
Darnell Thompkins is a conservative opinion writer from Atlanta, GA, known for his insightful commentary on politics, culture, and community issues. With a passion for championing traditional values and personal responsibility, Darnell brings a thoughtful Southern perspective to the national conversation. His writing aims to inspire meaningful dialogue and advocate for policies that strengthen families and empower individuals.