Hochul sidesteps apology to families of illegal-immigrant crime victims in debate

In Tuesday night’s New York governor’s debate, Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman confronted Kathy Hochul about families of victims killed by illegal immigrants, citing the murder of Sheridan Gorman by Jose Medina-Medina and demanding an apology and a return of the parents’ calls. Hochul responded by condemning all violent acts, noting billions spent to support police and lower crime rates, and then referenced the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis as a counterpoint.

She declined to apologize directly or to arrange a call with Gorman’s parents, instead stating she apologizes for any pain suffered by anyone. The exchange sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with opponents accusing her of indifference toward the victims. Voters will later decide between Hochul and Blakeman in the November gubernatorial election.