In a move that has sparked controversy, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a staunch Democrat, discreetly removed a photograph of himself with a man identified as a Chicago "Peacekeeper" following the individual's arrest in connection with a fatal robbery.
This incident has cast a shadow over the Peacekeepers initiative, a program championed by Chicago's progressive Mayor Brandon Johnson. The initiative aims to empower local activists to mediate community disputes and resolve conflicts without police intervention, with the hope of curbing crime rates.
As reported by Breitbart, Governor Pritzker had shared a video on Facebook on September 5, documenting his visit to Chicago where he met with several Peacekeepers. Among them was Kellen McMiller, who was later apprehended for his involvement in a violent $700,000 heist at a Louis Vuitton store on Michigan Avenue.
The robbery culminated in a tragic traffic accident, resulting in the death of a man from Skokie. McMiller now faces murder charges after the getaway vehicle he occupied collided with the victim's car.
The governor's office initially issued a press release lauding the Peacekeepers as "trusted messengers in the community," accompanied by a photograph featuring McMiller. Governor Pritzker expressed his support for the initiative, stating, "Its 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."
However, following McMiller's arrest, the governor's office swiftly expunged any images of him from their materials, as noted by CWBChicago.
Fox 32, a Chicago-based Fox affiliate, reported that a spokesperson for Governor Pritzker clarified that the governor did not have a personal acquaintance with McMiller. The spokesperson further explained that the photograph was removed from the state website upon learning of McMiller's arrest.
Additionally, it has come to light that McMiller is wanted in four states, although the specifics of these warrants remain undisclosed.
This incident raises questions about the effectiveness and oversight of the Peacekeepers program, as well as the broader implications of relying on community-based initiatives to address crime. While the concept of empowering local activists aligns with progressive ideals, the arrest of a Peacekeeper on such serious charges underscores the need for careful vetting and accountability within these programs.
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