Governor’s Murder Photo SCRUBBED — Lawsuit Launched!

Judicial Watch is suing Illinois Governor JB Pritzker after his administration scrubbed evidence of his photo-op with a “peacekeeper” who was charged with murder just days later, raising serious questions about vetting failures in a taxpayer-funded anti-violence program that recruits criminals without background checks.

Story Snapshot

Judicial Watch filed a FOIA lawsuit on February 4, 2026, after Pritzker’s office ignored requests for records about a scrubbed photo with murder suspect Kellen McMiller
McMiller, a state-backed “peacekeeper,” was charged with murder, burglary, and theft six days after posing with Pritzker at a September 2025 anti-violence event
The peacekeeper program deliberately avoids background checks on “justice-involved” participants, despite McMiller having active warrants from three states and a violent criminal history
The deadly smash-and-grab burglary killed Mark Arceta, a 40-year-old father whose girlfriend gave birth the next day

Peacekeeper Program’s Deadly Vetting Failure

Governor Pritzker posed for photos with Kellen McMiller at a September 5, 2025, event in Englewood celebrating “peacekeepers” as community violence interveners. McMiller, wearing an official peacekeeper uniform, stood alongside the governor as Pritzker promoted the program as an alternative to federal law enforcement intervention. Six days later, McMiller allegedly participated in a Louis Vuitton burglary on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile that ended in a fatal crash, killing Mark Arceta. McMiller was among seven men charged with murder, burglary, theft, and fugitive from justice charges. At the time of the photo-op, McMiller had active warrants from Florida, Indiana, and Wisconsin, plus a violent criminal history including armed robbery and domestic battery.

Photo Scrubbed After Arrest Sparks Cover-Up Accusations

After McMiller’s arrest on September 11, 2025, Pritzker’s administration removed the incriminating photo from the state website and Google search results. The deliberate scrubbing of evidence raised immediate red flags about transparency and accountability. Pritzker’s office claimed the governor was “extremely troubled” by the charges and noted he “meets hundreds of people weekly,” attempting to distance him from the association. However, the photo removal after notification of McMiller’s arrest suggests awareness of the political damage rather than routine maintenance. This pattern of concealment prompted Judicial Watch to file a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit when the administration failed to respond to records requests about the photo and event.

No Background Checks Policy Undermines Public Safety

The peacekeeper program’s fundamental flaw lies in its deliberate policy of not conducting background checks on participants. Chicago CRED representative Cunningham defended this approach, stating that excluding “justice-involved” individuals would undermine program effectiveness and that relationships matter more than criminal records. This absurd reasoning places community safety at risk by elevating criminal credentials over public protection. Former Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel called the advance team “incompetent” and labeled the program a “feel-good” initiative with limited measurable results. Critics point to repeated arrests of peacekeeper participants in violent crimes as evidence the program is failing. Meanwhile, taxpayers fund these initiatives while legitimate law enforcement faces criticism and budget constraints.

Victim’s Family Seeks Justice While Program Continues

Mark Arceta’s death left behind a grieving family, including his girlfriend Roanne Masangkay, who gave birth to their son the day after the fatal crash. The family launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking accountability while navigating their devastating loss. Seven suspects face murder charges in connection with the incident, yet McMiller’s hospitalization has delayed court proceedings. The case highlights the real human cost of prioritizing progressive criminal justice theories over proven law enforcement methods. As Judicial Watch’s lawsuit moves forward, it may force disclosure of how many other violent criminals received state endorsement through Pritzker’s peacekeeper program. The broader question remains whether Illinois will reform its reckless vetting policies or continue sacrificing public safety for political ideology.

Political Implications for Soft-on-Crime Policies

This scandal strikes at the heart of failed progressive governance that values virtue signaling over results. Pritzker promoted peacekeepers as alternatives to President Trump’s proposed National Guard deployment for Chicago violence, positioning himself against effective federal intervention while championing programs that recruit criminals without oversight. The timing damages Pritzker’s political standing as scrutiny intensifies around his administration’s judgment and transparency. Law enforcement experts argue the case proves that “credible messengers” selected for street credibility rather than reformed character create predictable disasters. The lawsuit could expose systemic vetting failures across similar community violence intervention programs in other cities, potentially shifting national debates back toward supporting police rather than experimenting with unaccountable criminal intermediaries funded by taxpayers.