Chicago Democrat's 'Tone-Deaf' Comment on 18-Year-Old Loyola Student Who Was Shot on Campus Sparks Debate Online

A progressive Democrat from Chicago is facing backlash online after she suggested that the Loyola University student who was recently killed may have been at fault, making the remarks during an interview.

The Democrat said the victim was “at the wrong time, at the wrong place.”

The Chicago Alderwoman Maria Hadden made the comments about Sheridan Gorman, the 18-year-old Loyola University student who was shot and killed on March 19, during an interview with Fox 23 Chicago.

Hadden said, "Gorman was shot while walking with friends along the city’s lakefront near campus. The shooting appeared to be a case of Gorman being at the wrong time, at the wrong place."

“They might have unintentionally startled this person at the end of the pier,” Hadden said during the interview.

“We don't believe that there is a cause for broader community concern,” she added.

Authorities have arrested a 25-year-old man, identified as Jose Medina-Medina, who is an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela. Medina-Medina has been charged with the murder of Gorman and is currently in custody.

Hadden’s comments came despite reports that the suspect followed Gorman from behind before opening fire at close range and fleeing the scene.

Hadden has faced significant backlash since her comments, particularly on social media.

One user on X accused Hadden of “pretty much blaming Sheridan Gorman for her own murder.”

“These people are sick,” the user said.

Another X user accused Hadden of “downplaying the murder of an American citizen in defence of a Venezuelan gangbanging invader.”

“Blaming the victim for startling the armed illegal invader? You, Maria Hadden, are garbage,” another user wrote.

Hadden has not made a public statement addressing the backlash.

However, this is not the first time the Democrat has faced backlash. In January 2026, Hadden was in the middle of a controversy after she drew parallels between the Holocaust and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) crackdown during a city council meeting.

Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old student of Loyola University, was shot and killed while walking with friends near the campus. The incident has shocked the community, especially Gorman’s family, who have called both the state and federal authorities to prosecute the suspect.