Kenosha, WI – One of the most polarizing court cases in the nation has reached its conclusion – and while some people are thrilled, others are incensed.
In the case of the State of Wisconsin vs. Kyle H. Rittenhouse, a jury found the 18-year-old not guilty on counts of 1st Degree Intentional Homicide, 1st Degree Reckless Homicide, 1st Degree Reckless Endangerment of Safety, and Attempted 1st Degree Intentional Homicide. Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed charges of Use of a Dangerous Weapon by a Person Under 18 and Failure to Comply with an Emergency Order from State or Local Government.
The case stems from protests in Kenosha after the police shooting of Jacob Blake. On Aug. 25, 2020, Rittenhouse was in the city to defend a car dealership and provide aid to wounded people, as per his story. Rittenhouse, who was 17 at the time, came from Antioch, Illinois, with an AR-15 for “self-defense.”
Right before midnight, Rittenhouse was approached by Joseph Rosenbaum. A struggle for the rifle occurred, with Rittenhouse shooting Rosenbaum four times, resulting in his death. Anthony Huber then made his own attempt to take the AR-15, but was shot once, fatally. Finally, Gaige Grosskreutz approached Rittenhouse with a Glock, but was shot in the biceps, and survived the injury.
The trial grabbed the intrigue of the nation for a slew of questions leading up to and during it. First, why would someone looking to provide aid travel from another state with an AR-15? Secondly, why did the judge seemingly do everything in his power to aid the defense? Last but not least, how did the jury not find him guilty on at least one count?
As for public reaction, people who are pro-gun and Caucasian applauded the jury’s decision, while those on the opposite end were none too pleased. Meanwhile, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced that 500 national guard troops were activated in case there is any unrest concerning the verdict.
