January 1, JUST IN: Rittenhouse Acquitted on All Charges

Kyle Rittenhouse was acquitted on all charges stemming from the deadly shootings during a racial injustice protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last year.

After deliberating for over three days, a 12-person jury acquitted Rittenhouse on homicide, attempted homicide, and reckless endangerment after fatally shooting two men and wounding another. The 18-year-old pleaded self-defense in the shootings, corroborated by video evidence and testimony from some of the prosecution’s own witnesses.

On the stand, Rittenhouse told the jury he opened fire on 36-year-old Joseph Rosenbaum after he chased him and grabbed for his gun. Then, Anthony Huber, 26, was killed after striking Rittenhouse in the head with a skateboard. Finally, Rittenhouse shot and wounded Gaige Grosskreutz, 28, after the protestor pointed a gun at him.

Still, some public figures and pundits expressed dismay and shock at the verdict.

The case has become a highly contentious subject among Americans. A few days ahead of the verdict, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers implored the public to remain peaceful and said 500 National Guard members would deploy to Kenosha if needed.

“I urge folks who are otherwise not from the area to please respect the community by reconsidering any plans to travel there and encourage those who might choose to assemble and exercise their First Amendment rights to do so safely and peacefully,” Evers said.

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Kyle Rittenhouse cleared of all charges in Kenosha shootings