Before Nov 19, 2020, the world was unaware of the existence of Kyle Rittenhouse. He was just an ordinary 17 years old teen in America. The circumstance of Kyle Rittenhouse’s fame would be an effect that started way back in August 2020 on the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and the growing movement of Black Lives Matter, just after the brutal death of George Floyd.

As the protestors were on the streets, Kyle Rittenhouse went to the streets with a gun in his possession. He had an AR-style semi-automatic rifle. The right to own a firearm is a fundamental right in the U.S constitution, but it prohibits minors from possessing guns. They can only be allowed when hunting or when under the supervision of an adult. A curfew was put in place in the city, which indicated that no one should be outdoors after 8.00 pm. All the protestors and Kyle Rittenhouse had violated this order.

Kyle Rittenhouse came across his victims during the protests. He opened fire on them. Anthony Huber and Joseph Rosenbaum were killed due to the shooting, while Gaige Grosskreutz was injured. Kyle Rittenhouse was arrested, and the incident received national coverage. He maintained his innocence by claiming that the men attacked him, so he acted in self-defense.

The prosecution brought forth charges that were to be used in his prosecution. These charges were first-degree homicide and the use of a dangerous weapon, first degree recklessly endangering safety and service of a dangerous weapon, attempted first-degree intentional homicide and use of a dangerous weapon, possession of a dangerous weapon by a teenager, and failure to comply with the curfew law. The prosecution had video recordings from street cameras that gave a glimpse of how the incident occurred.

The defense argued that the three victims had attacked their client, acting in self-defense when the incident occurred. A jury was selected that would hear the case and give a verdict on the incident. This case drew national acclaim and the court of public opinion was divided on the case. Some viewed Kyle Rittenhouse as a murderer and that he should be jailed for his actions.

Rittenhouse had supporters who viewed him as a vigilante. The two deceased victims had a past in criminal activities, which led many to believe that the three had planned to attack him. They also viewed him as a superhero who removed two criminals from the streets.

On Nov 20, 2021, all charges against Kyle Rittenhouse were ruled as not guilty. There were so many reactions to the verdict. Others claim that the right to defend oneself is more paramount than the right of the aggressor.