Kyle Rittenhouse: A Retrospective on the Kenosha Shooting and Trial
22 January 2026 – The trial of Kyle Rittenhouse, who was acquitted of all charges related to the fatal shooting of two men and wounding of a third during unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, concluded in November 2021. The case, which became a flashpoint in American debates over guns, vigilantism, and racial justice, continues to be analysed for its legal, political, and cultural implications.
The Incident: 25 August 2020
On the third night of protests in Kenosha following the police shooting of Jacob Blake, Kyle Rittenhouse, then aged 17, travelled from his home in Antioch, Illinois, to Kenosha, Wisconsin. Armed with an AR-15 style rifle, he became involved in a series of confrontations that resulted in him fatally shooting Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26, and non-fatally injuring Gaige Grosskreutz, now 28.
The Criminal Trial: November 2021
At a criminal trial in Kenosha in November 2021, prosecutors argued that Rittenhouse was seen as an active shooter and had provoked the other participants. Defence lawyers argued that he had acted in self-defence, stating that he had used force necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself. A jury weighed two counts of homicide, one count of attempted homicide, and two counts of reckless endangerment, and found Rittenhouse not guilty on all charges.
Key Facts of the Case
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | 25 August 2020 |
| Location | Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA |
| Rittenhouse’s Age | 17 |
| Weapon Used | AR-15 style semi-automatic rifle |
| Victims | Joseph Rosenbaum (36), Anthony Huber (26), Gaige Grosskreutz (injured) |
| Criminal Charges | Two counts of homicide, one count of attempted homicide, two counts of reckless endangerment, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm, one count of curfew violation |
| Trial Dates | 1–19 November 2021 |
| Verdict | Not guilty on all charges |
| Key Legal Argument | Self-defence under Wisconsin law (Section 939.48) |
| Jury Deliberation Time | Approximately 26 hours |
Legal and Public Reaction
Public sentiment and media coverage of the shootings were polarised and politicised. An Economist/YouGov poll found that two-thirds of Republicans thought Rittenhouse should be acquitted while three-quarters of Democrats thought he should be convicted.
Multiple right-wing politicians and figures welcomed Rittenhouse’s acquittal, stating that the shootings were self-defence. President Joe Biden called for the jury’s verdict to be respected, although stated that the verdict “will leave many Americans feeling angry and concerned, myself included.”
Multiple Democratic politicians and figures criticised the verdict as a miscarriage of justice, saying that the acquittal was emblematic of racial double standards in the American justice system. Gun control advocates expressed concerns that the verdict would embolden vigilantism and militia groups.
Post-Trial Developments
Following his acquittal, Rittenhouse attended several events hosted by conservative organisations and individuals, including a meeting with President Donald Trump, interviews with political commentator Tucker Carlson, and guest appearances at several Turning Point USA productions. Images of Rittenhouse have been used for political purposes by both right-wing and left-wing actors, becoming an internet meme, and appearing on commercial products.
In August 2021, the family of Anthony Huber filed a federal lawsuit in the Eastern District of Wisconsin against the police and county sheriff’s departments in Kenosha. The family added Rittenhouse as a named defendant in January 2022. In February 2023, Gaige Grosskreutz added Rittenhouse as a named defendant to a lawsuit filed in federal court in October 2021. In April 2023, Rittenhouse countersued Grosskreutz.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the central legal arguments in the Rittenhouse trial?
The trial centred on whether Rittenhouse had acted in self-defence. Under Wisconsin law, a defendant may claim self-defence if they reasonably believe they are in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm. The prosecution argued that Rittenhouse had provoked the incident, while the defence maintained that he had acted in self-defence.
How did the judge’s rulings affect the outcome of the trial?
Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed a curfew violation charge and a weapons possession charge, stating that the state had not provided sufficient evidence. He also ruled that the jury could consider whether Rittenhouse had provoked the attacks that unfolded. These rulings were seen as favourable to the defence.
What has Kyle Rittenhouse done since his acquittal?
Since his acquittal, Rittenhouse has operated a gun rights YouTube channel, raised money for unspecified defamation lawsuits against media companies, and been offered several internships by Republican politicians. He has also been the subject of several proposed laws named after him, and has appeared in a video game.
In December 2023, Rittenhouse’s book Acquitted was released, coauthored with Mark Richards and Michael Quinn Sullivan. Richards was Rittenhouse’s lead defence lawyer, and Sullivan was the CEO of former conservative advocacy group Empower Texans.
In August 2023, Rittenhouse formed the Rittenhouse Foundation, a Texas-based non-profit with a stated purpose to protect legal rights. The organisation’s filing includes wording from the Second Amendment. Chris McNutt, president of Texas Gun Rights, is also a director of the foundation.