Judicial Watch Sues Illinois Governor Over FOIA Request Linked to Photo With Murder Suspect

Lawsuit claims Pritzker's office failed to adequately respond to request about September 2025 event where governor was photographed with Kellen McMiller, who was later charged with murder.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Judicial Watch has filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit against Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, claiming his office failed to properly respond to a FOIA request regarding a September 2025 event where Pritzker was photographed with Kellen McMiller. Days later, McMiller was charged with murder in connection with a deadly smash-and-grab robbery and crash in Chicago, despite having several outstanding warrants at the time of the photo with the governor.

Why it matters

The lawsuit raises questions about the governor's vetting process for public events and interactions, as well as transparency around any potential connections between the governor's office and individuals facing serious criminal charges.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Judicial Watch filed a FOIA request seeking records related to the September 2025 event where Pritzker was photographed with Kellen McMiller, an anti-violence worker who was later charged with murder. The lawsuit claims the governor's office did not adequately respond to the FOIA request.

  • In September 2025, Pritzker was photographed with Kellen McMiller at a public event.
  • Days after the event, McMiller was charged with murder in connection with a deadly smash-and-grab robbery and crash in Chicago.

The players

J.B. Pritzker

The current governor of Illinois.

Kellen McMiller

An anti-violence worker who was photographed with Governor Pritzker and later charged with murder.

Judicial Watch

A conservative watchdog group that has filed a FOIA lawsuit against Governor Pritzker's office.

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What they’re saying

“The governor's office failed to adequately respond to our FOIA request regarding this troubling situation.”

— Judicial Watch Representative

What’s next

The lawsuit will proceed in Sangamon County circuit court, where a judge will determine if the governor's office properly handled the FOIA request.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thorough vetting and transparency around public officials' interactions, especially when those interactions may be connected to individuals facing serious criminal charges.