An 18-year-old Loyola University Chicago student was fatally shot along the city’s lakefront early Thursday morning in a case that authorities are continuing to investigate. The victim, identified as Sheridan Gorman of Westchester County, New York, was walking with friends shortly after 1:30 a.m. when a masked gunman opened fire. She was struck in the head and pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have detained a 25-year-old man in connection with the shooting, though officials have not yet confirmed whether formal charges have been filed. According to reporting from the Chicago Tribune, investigators were able to locate a suspect within minutes, aided in part by witness descriptions that included a “distinct limp.” Authorities have not publicly released the suspect’s full identity or additional details about the circumstances leading to the arrest.
Loyola University Chicago President Mark C. Reed confirmed Gorman’s death in a message to students and staff, expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
“It is with profound sadness that I write to share that one of our students, Sheridan Gorman, was killed earlier today,” Reed said. “This is a tragic loss, and our hearts go out to Sheridan’s family, loved ones, and all who knew her.”
Gorman, who had recently begun her studies at the university, was spending time with friends along the lakefront when the incident occurred. Her death has sparked grief across the campus community and in her hometown, where family and friends are now mourning her loss.
Federal immigration authorities have also become involved in the case. The Department of Homeland Security stated that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has filed a detainer request, asking local officials to transfer the suspect into federal custody if he is released.
According to DHS statements, the individual had previous encounters with law enforcement, including being detained by U.S. Border Patrol in 2023 and later arrested in Chicago on a shoplifting charge before being released. Federal officials have raised concerns about those prior incidents, though local authorities have not provided detailed confirmation of how they relate to the current case.
The shooting comes amid ongoing national discussions over immigration enforcement policies and public safety. Data reviewed by The New York Times shows that immigration arrests have increased nationwide in 2025, though trends vary by region.
Authorities have not yet identified a motive, and the investigation remains active.
