WASHINGTON – American teen Kyle Rittenhouse, who was acquitted after fatally shooting two people during protests and riots against police brutality in Wisconsin last year, said self-defense after being sanctioned is “not illegal” because the verdict was in full swing. resonates in America.
On Friday, a jury found 18-year-old Rittenhouse not guilty of negligent and willful manslaughter and other charges stemming from the August 2020 shooting in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
The ruling sparked sporadic protests across the country late Friday – from New York to Portland, Oregon – but drew praise from Rittenhouse supporters and gun rights advocates in the courthouse, highlighting how divisive the case was.
In comments broadcast by Fox News, the teen – seen smiling while riding in a car after the verdict – said he was relieved that his “difficult journey” had come to an end.
“The jury reached the right verdict – self-defense is not illegal,” Rittenhouse said, ahead of a full interview with Fox to be shown Monday evening and a documentary to air later in December.
“I’m glad everything went well … we made it through the hard part.”
Rittenhouse’s family later said through a spokesperson that they had been moved to an undisclosed location.
“They’re doing well now, they’re in an undisclosed location, and they’re a family and everyone’s just happy,” spokesman David Hancock told CBS.
Protesters gather to protest the acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse on November 20, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Megan Warner/Getty Images/AFP)
The Rittenhouse case garnered national attention, as it was sparked by Black Lives Matter demonstrations that swept the country last year and featured a controversial mix of guns, racial tensions and vigilantes.
The teen testified during a two-week trial that he shot and killed two people and wounded another with his AR-15 semi-automatic rifle in self-defense after attacking him during a night of unrest in Kenosha .
Rittenhouse, who lived in neighboring Illinois, claimed that he went to Kenosha to protect businesses from robbers and to act as a medic.
Prosecutors, arguing the then 17-year-old Rittenhouse, “instigated” the events of a chaotic night when a white policeman shot a black man, Jacob Blake, several times in the back during an arrest, leaving him paralyzed Gaya.
But the jury sided with Rittenhouse.
Protesters march in protest against the verdict of not guilty in the Kyle Rittenhouse murder trial in Chicago, Illinois, November 20, 2021. (Kamil Krzyski/AFP)
For John Huber, the father of one of those killed in Kenosha, the “shock” had not subsided when he appeared on CNN Saturday morning.
“We still can’t believe it,” Huber said. “He should have been jailed for about 40 years. That was our expectation. ,
“That man breaks free and he’s a hero now. And here’s my son. This is Anthony,” said Huber, holding a small urn and a photo of his son. “There is no justice for our family right now and there is no closure.”
The response to the verdict reflected the national divide in America over the right to bear firearms—and where the line should be drawn on that constitutionally protected right.
President Joe Biden warned against violence after the verdict and appealed for peace.
“While the verdict in Kenosha will leave many Americans feeling angry and concerned, including me, we must acknowledge that the jury has spoken,” Biden said in a statement.
Protesters gather to protest the acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse on November 20, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Megan Warner/Getty Images/AFP)
“I urge everyone to express their views peacefully in line with the rule of law.”
In an editorial, the Wisconsin State Journal called the decision “disappointing” and said it “is sure to encourage extremists who want to take the law into their own hands.”
“But further violence in response to the verdict will not help anyone,” it added.
Meanwhile, Gun Owners of America hailed Rittenhouse as a “warrior for gun owners and self-defense rights” and said it would “reward him” with the AR-15, as he used that night in Kenosha. .
Rittenhouse – who faced a total of five charges – earned praise from some Republican lawmakers and former President Donald Trump.
The most serious charge – intentional murder – carried a mandatory sentence of life in prison. The jury deliberated for a total of 26 hours over four days before delivering a unanimous verdict of not guilty on all counts.
Shannon Watts, founder of gun control group Moms Demand Action, condemned the decision.
“that a juvenile may travel across state lines for a protest that has nothing to do with him; shoot three people kill two; And not facing any criminal consequences is a miscarriage of justice and an indictment of our criminal justice system,” Vats said.