UPDATE: Multiple violence prevention activists face serious criminal charges, raising urgent questions about the effectiveness of their programs in tackling crime. Reports confirm that four activists are now charged with murder or assault across various cities, while another is serving time for assaulting a police officer.
New court documents reveal a troubling trend among these advocates, particularly in liberal cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.. These men, once celebrated for their community outreach efforts, are now embroiled in violent crime allegations, casting doubt on their roles in crime prevention initiatives.
In a shocking incident, Peacekeepers member Kellen McMiller was arrested in Chicago after allegedly committing a deadly robbery on September 11, 2025. Just days before the crime, McMiller was photographed with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker at a public event. He now faces multiple charges, including murder, after crashing a vehicle during his escape, resulting in a fatal collision. McMiller remains hospitalized, delaying his court appearance.
Authorities emphasize the critical need for effective crime prevention strategies. Governor Pritzker previously praised McMiller’s efforts, stating, “It’s folks like these that we need more of doing the hard work of community violence prevention,” a stark contrast to the current situation.
In Washington, D.C., another “violence interrupter,” Cotey Wynn, faces serious allegations following a shooting incident in September 2023 that left three injured and a 31-year-old man dead. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Wynn signaling the shooter, leading to his arrest. He is currently held without bail, highlighting the gravity of the accusations against him.
Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, activist Sergio Hyland has been charged with murder for allegedly shooting his girlfriend and disposing of her body under an overpass. Hyland, who promoted “Harm/De-escalation Tactics” as part of his activism, had previously served time for murder. His case raises significant concerns about the vetting processes employed by violence prevention organizations.
In Rochester, New York, Anthony Hall, a former leader of the Pathways to Peace program, was sentenced to two years in prison for assaulting a police officer. His organization was once hailed as an alternative to traditional policing, but Hall’s recent actions have led to the dissolution of the nonprofit he founded.
Lastly, Leon El-Alamin, city councilman in Flint, Michigan, faces domestic violence charges stemming from an incident in July. Previously a proponent of the “clean slate” program, which expunged his criminal record, El-Alamin now finds himself embroiled in serious legal trouble.
These incidents raise urgent questions about accountability and effectiveness within violence prevention programs. Community leaders and officials are under pressure to reassess their strategies and ensure that those in charge of preventing violence are not contributing to it.
As communities grapple with rising crime rates, the implications of these arrests are profound. Activists once viewed as champions for change are now facing serious legal repercussions, complicating efforts to create safer neighborhoods.
NEXT: Communities and officials are closely monitoring these developments, with many calling for a thorough reevaluation of how violence prevention initiatives are structured and who is leading them. The challenges ahead are significant, and the public is watching closely as these cases unfold.
