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Shooting Incident
Chicago police have arrested and are questioning a 25-year-old Rogers Park man in connection with the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman.
“Chicago Police arrested a 25-year-old Rogers Park man in connection to the shooting of first-year student Sheridan Gorman March 19, according to police records obtained by the Chicago Tribune.”
The shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. on March 19, 2026, at Tobey Prinz Beach pier in the Rogers Park neighborhood.
Gorman was walking with friends when a masked man approached and opened fire.
According to police reports, Gorman was shot in the head and pronounced dead at the scene.
No other injuries were reported in the incident that has shaken the university community.
Suspect Arrest
The arrest of the 25-year-old Rogers Park suspect represents a significant development in the investigation.
Authorities continue to gather information about the motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Police records obtained by the Chicago Tribune indicate the suspect is currently being questioned.
Area Three detectives work to understand what led to the fatal attack.
Investigators maintain their initial assessment that the shooting appeared to be random.
Gorman is believed not to have been the intended target of the violence.
Community Impact
The tragic death of Sheridan Gorman has sent shockwaves through both the Loyola University community and the Rogers Park neighborhood.
“Others brought in flowers and helped pass out candles and pamphlets notating lyrics and melodies to hymns. They were there to honor the life of Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old Loyola student who was shot and killed in the predawn hours Thursday, less than a mile away from campus, according to Chicago police. Family members said they are 'heartbroken' at the loss. In a brief interview, Gorman's father, Thomas, said those hearing about his daughter's death should 'hug their kids tighter.'”
Students, faculty, and residents expressed profound grief and disbelief.
Family members described the 18-year-old freshman from Yorktown Heights, New York, as someone who 'brought warmth and compassion to everyone around her.'
Her father urged others to 'hug their kids tighter' in the wake of her loss.
Students at Loyola reported feeling unsafe, with one junior noting the incident made them question their routines.
Another student emphasized that Gorman 'was doing everything right' in terms of safety practices.
Campus Response
In response to the shooting and the ongoing investigation, Loyola University Chicago has increased security measures.
The university provided extensive support services to the campus community.
University President Mark C. Reed issued a statement calling the incident 'a tragic loss'.
The university confirmed it is working closely with law enforcement.
The university activated its campus safety protocols, offering counseling services.
A vigil was organized at Madonna della Strada Chapel for Thursday evening.
49th Ward Alderman Maria Hadden has been in communication with police, Loyola officials, and the mayor's office.
She acknowledged the need for enhanced safety measures in the area.
Victim Background
Sheridan Gorman, a freshman from Yorktown Heights, New York, studying business at Loyola University, was remembered by friends and family.
“Gorman was a freshman from Yorktown Heights, New York, who came to Loyola to study business. She was involved with Cru, a Christian student group with chapters at colleges across the country, according to a friend who declined an interview.”
She was described as a 'wonderful' and 'kindest soul' who lived her faith with kindness, compassion, and joy.
The 18-year-old had just returned from spring break when the tragedy occurred.
She was involved with Cru, a Christian student organization with chapters across the country.
Her family's statement through their attorney conveyed the depth of their loss.
'She made people feel seen, safe, and loved simply by being who she was,' they wrote.
Her father's plea for others to 'hug their kids tighter' captured the heartfelt grief.