In a stunning turn of events, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has removed a photo of himself with a Chicago Peacekeeper after the individual was arrested and charged in a deadly robbery, as Breitbart reports.

The incident has cast a shadow over Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Peacekeeper program, which employs local activists to mediate community disputes as an alternative to police intervention, following the arrest of Kellen McMiller in connection with a fatal crime.

On Sept. 5, Pritzker visited Chicago and met with several members of the Peacekeeper program.

He shared a video of the visit on Facebook, highlighting his interactions with these community figures. A press release from his office also featured images of the event.

Unexpected arrests shocks governor's office

Among those Pritzker met was Kellen McMiller, a Peacekeeper who was later implicated in a violent crime.

McMiller appeared in a photo alongside the governor, which was included in the state’s official materials.

According to reports, Pritzker’s office initially praised the Peacekeepers in the press release. The governor described them as “trusted messengers in the community.” He emphasized their role in preventing violence through grassroots efforts.

Pritzker further elaborated on the importance of such initiatives during his visit.

“It’s folks like these that we need more of doing the hard work of community violence prevention, not troops on the ground to undermine efforts fighting crime,” he said.

Fatal robbery linked to 'peacekeeper'

Last week, McMiller was arrested for his alleged involvement in a robbery at a Louis Vuitton store on Michigan Avenue. The crime involved a theft valued at $700,000, according to authorities.

During the incident, a getaway vehicle carrying McMiller crashed into another car. Tragically, the collision resulted in the death of a man from Skokie. McMiller now faces a murder charge stemming from the event.

The arrest has brought unwanted scrutiny to the Peacekeeper program, which aims to reduce crime by having local activists settle disputes without law enforcement. Mayor Johnson’s initiative has been a key part of his administration’s approach to public safety.

Governor attempts to distance from controversy

Following McMiller’s arrest, Pritzker’s office swiftly removed all images and references to him from their materials. The photo of the governor with McMiller was deleted from the state website and press releases.

A spokesperson for Pritzker clarified the governor’s stance on the matter. “Pritzker did not know McMiller personally, and they removed the photo of the two from the state website after being notified he was arrested,” the spokesperson explained.

Additional details about McMiller’s background have since emerged, raising further questions. Reports indicate he has outstanding warrants in four states, though specifics about those cases remain undisclosed.

Questions loom over program's future

The incident has sparked debate about the vetting process for individuals involved in the Peacekeeper program. Critics are questioning how someone with a criminal history could be positioned as a community mediator.

For now, Pritzker’s office has chosen to distance itself from the controversy surrounding McMiller. The removal of the photo and related content signals an effort to mitigate any political fallout from the arrest.

As the case unfolds, attention remains on both the governor and Mayor Johnson’s initiative. The tragic outcome of the robbery has left many wondering about the effectiveness and oversight of community-based violence prevention efforts in Chicago.