Image Credit: The Intercept

By: Dylan Evans

Kenosha, WI., Nov. 19: After a tumultuous trial, the Kyle Rittenhouse case has concluded, with the verdict being Rittenhouse not guilty of all charges.

The eighteen-year-old faced 5 counts in court, being first-degree reckless homicide, first-degree reckless endangerment, first-degree intentional homicide, and attempted first-degree attempted homicide. He faced up to life in prison had he been convicted.

Throughout the past weeks of the trial, the case was not to prove whether Rittenhouse had shot the three victims; that much was certain. The jury was attempting to rule if Rittenhouse had truly acted out of self-defense, or if his actions were reckless and violent in intent.

After the announcement of the verdict, many parties expressed a flux of varying opinions and emotions.

The great aunt of Anthony Huber, one of the men who was fatally shot by Kyle Rittenhouse during the civil unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last summer, defended her nephew’s actions prior to his death.

“I’m firmly in the camp that he perceived an active shooter, and he went to disarm that person… That is the Anthony I knew. He was very much a person who would jump into action.”

Rittenhouse’s attorney, Mark Richards, said this in response to the verdict;

“We’re very happy with the verdict. We’re happy that the jury took the time to put in an incredible amount of effort. There were times we doubted the case, there were times that we were confident, and to say that we were relieved would be a gross mis-understatement.”

The conclusion of the trial has many people divided; many agreeing with the acquitting, and many in complete disagreement.

After the trial, Rittenhouse made this comment in a promotional trailer for a Tucker Carlson program;

“The jury reached the correct verdict. Self Defense is not illegal. I believe they came to the correct verdict and I’m glad that everything went well.”

The case has been an ever-growing debate, many people in support of Rittenhouse, and many against him. The volatile nature of this case could have caused many issues in the trial, and it is likely that because of the controversy surrounding it, the conclusion will not satisfy many of the citizens who were waiting for the conclusion.

Though the case has been concluded, this event will most likely create more controversy. With every conclusion comes more conflict, especially in tense national cases like the Rittenhouse trial. The Kenosha police department has already made a statement claiming that protests are highly expected.

With uneasiness from the reactions of the verdict, it is important for the populous to stay well informed in the upcoming weeks, and to keep a positive outlook on the potential repercussions.