Illinois Governor JB Pritzker speaks during a Veterans Day commemoration at the Manuel Perez Jr. Plaza in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., November 11, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria REFILE - CORRECTING DATE FROM "NOVEMBER 8" TO "NOVEMBER 11".
(Chicago, Illinois) – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is facing backlash for a tweet commemorating a firefighter that was killed responding to an arson case. The funeral that was scheduled for today has been postponed as the firefighter’s widow went into labor. On Thursday she gave birth to baby girl, Evelyn Rose. Pritzker said the firefighter “passed away in the line of duty” on social media, failing to address the criminal responsible for setting the fire
Firefighter Michael Altman passed away in the line of duty after battling a fire in Rogers Park.
Our hearts are with his family and the CFD as we grieve the loss of this hero.
I’ve ordered our flags to fly at half-staff in his honor.
May his memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/gY9sgK8AFw
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) March 26, 2026
Sheaves Slate, 27, has been charged with arson and murder. Prosecutors claim Slate was squatting in the building he set on fire, after getting into an argument with two tenants. Altman fell from the first floor, which collapsed during the blaze. Slate checked himself into a local hospital for psychiatric help two days after setting the fire. Apparently he also dyed his hair. Slate has a history of drug and retail theft charges, and even had an open warrant for his arrest.
