Kyle Rittenhouse was the teenager who shot at protesters last year in Kenosha (Wisconsin) and killed two people. He testified Wednesday that he "didn’t do any wrong" and was acting in self defense.
They were not my intention. Rittenhouse stated that he intended to stop those who were attacking him during the shooting of Aug. 25, 2020.
Rittenhouse was 17 years old when he told prosecutors that Rittenhouse "used deadly force against the victims" because he considered them a threat.
He said, "I did everything I could to stop the person attacking me." "Two of them died, but I stopped the threat to attack me."
Rittenhouse is charged with killing Joseph Rosenbaum, Anthony Huber and injuring Gaige Grosskreutz at a protest against the police shooting of Jacob Blake (a 29-year old Black man). Two counts of first-degree murder, one count each of attempted homicide and one count each of recklessly endangering security are pending against Rittenhouse. He has pleaded guilty to all charges.
Rittenhouse stated that he was only going to render first aid during the protest. He even gave his bulletproof vest to a friend because he didn’t feel the need. However, he was carrying an AR-15 that he claimed he had brought to protect himself.
He said, "I didn’t think I would find myself in a position where I would need to defend myself."
In cross-examination Rittenhouse was questioned by the prosecutors about why he brought a weapon with him to the protest. He claimed that he had an AR-15 as he believed he wasn't old enough to own a gun, but he felt that he could still carry a firearm at 17 years of age. Wisconsin law bans minors from carrying arms. However, his lawyers pointed out a state hunting statute, which only prohibits children under 12 from hunting with guns.
Rittenhouse stated that he saw the victims as threats when questioned about his violent encounters. He also said that he acted in self defense.
Rittenhouse recounted his encounter with Rosenbaum and said that he shot Rosenbaum four times, before running off to get to the police. Rittenhouse answered his lawyer's question about why he went to the police. "I was defending myself."
Rittenhouse admitted that even though he was carrying an emergency kit, he didn't try to help anyone he shot.
"Gaige Grosskreutz is screaming, 'I need to see a doctor', just after you have shot him in the arm. "Have you heard that?" Thomas Binger, Assistant District Attorney.
Rittenhouse replied, "Yes," Rittenhouse continued walking towards the police, instead of trying to help the man.
Rittenhouse was also unable to talk about the shooting at one point, which led Kenosha County Circuit Judge Bruce Schroeder calling for a break.
Schroder, Binger and their emotions ran high. The pair clashed repeatedly on Wednesday.
Binger was cross-examined twice by Rittenhouse during Schroeder's trial. Once, it was because the lead prosecutor made comments about Rittenhouse's silence after his arrest and the second time, Schroeder asked the jury to leave the courtroom. He also reprimanded Binger. The first was the comment made by the lead prosecutor about Rittenhouse's silence following his arrest. The judge also noted that Rittenhouse is protected under the Constitution. Binger tried to question Rittenhouse on Rittenhouses views regarding the use of guns to defend property, but Schroeder had already rejected this line of questioning.
Because of Binger's comments and questions, the defense requested a mistrial without prejudice. Schroder stated he would accept the motion under advisement and then engaged in loud back-and forth with Binger.
Schroder warned that there should not be another incident.
