Anti-violence groups face new scrutiny after deadly robbery involving a peacekeeper

In early September, Kellen McMiller took part in a roundtable discussion with Governor J.B. Pritzker at an event for anti-violence workers on the South Side.

McMiller, 35, even posed for a photo with the Governor in his neon yellow peacekeeper vest. The photo would later appear in a press release touting how violence prevention programs are helping drive down violent crime in Chicago.

Just six days later, McMiller was allegedly involved in a smash-and-grab downtown that killed a man on his way to work.

The incident has cast a harsh spotlight on the field of violence intervention at a time when President Donald Trump is deploying National Guard units to Illinois while criticizing local leaders’ handling of crime. Critics have questioned why McMiller, who had four warrants out for his arr