Angel mother urges Congress to create a 'buddy bench' after daughter's death

Jessica Gorman appeared before the House Judiciary Committee, describing her daughter Sheridan's role as one outlet of a school "buddy bench" where she welcomed shy children. She linked Sheridan's March shooting on a Lake Michigan pier to Jose Medina, an undocumented immigrant who crossed the southern border, was released by local authorities, and was not turned over to ICE after a shoplifting arrest. Gorman condemned Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker for their sanctuary policies that barred information sharing with federal immigration officials.

She also rebuked a city alderwoman's suggestion that Sheridan was simply in the wrong place. The hearing featured interruptions, a member reportedly sleeping, and phones ringing, prompting Gorman to demand an explanation and propose a congressional "buddy bench" for officials to confront the issue.