Kyle Rittenhouse remains one of the most polarising figures in contemporary American society. The now 22-year-old became internationally known at just 17 when he fatally shot two men during racial justice protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in August 2020. His subsequent trial and acquittal divided the United States along stark political lines and sparked renewed debates about gun rights, self-defence laws, and vigilantism.
The Kenosha Incident That Changed Everything
On 25 August 2020, protests erupted in Kenosha following the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man shot seven times in the back by a white officer. Rittenhouse travelled from his home in Antioch, Illinois—approximately 30 minutes away—carrying an AR-15-style semi-automatic rifle. He claimed his purpose was to protect local businesses from rioters and provide medical assistance to protesters.
The evening descended into chaos when Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, chased and cornered Rittenhouse in a car dealership parking lot and grabbed his rifle barrel. Rittenhouse fired, killing Rosenbaum. As he fled, a crowd pursued him. Anthony Huber, 26, struck Rittenhouse with a skateboard and attempted to seize his weapon during a brief struggle. Rittenhouse shot and killed him. Gaige Grosskreutz, 27, then approached with a pistol pointed at Rittenhouse, who shot and wounded him in the arm.
All three men shot were white, though the incident became emblematic of broader tensions around racial justice protests. Rittenhouse was arrested the following day at his mother’s home and charged with first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless homicide, and attempted homicide.
The Trial That Gripped America
Rittenhouse’s trial in November 2021 attracted intense media scrutiny and became deeply politicised. Prosecutors portrayed him as a “wannabe soldier” who deliberately sought confrontation. They argued he provoked the participants and should be held accountable for the deaths.
The defence maintained Rittenhouse acted in self-defence. They contended he used necessary force to prevent imminent death or serious bodily harm. Video evidence played a crucial role, showing the sequence of events leading to each shooting.
The jury deliberated on two counts of homicide, one count of attempted homicide, and two counts of reckless endangerment. On 19 November 2021, they found Rittenhouse not guilty on all charges. The 18-year-old visibly shook as the verdicts were read.
Public reaction split along partisan lines. An Economist/YouGov poll revealed two-thirds of Republicans believed Rittenhouse should be acquitted whilst three-quarters of Democrats thought he should be convicted. US President Joe Biden stated the outcome would “leave many Americans feeling angry and concerned, myself included”.
Life After Acquittal: Political Celebrity and Financial Struggles
Following his acquittal, Rittenhouse became a fixture on the conservative speaking circuit. He met then-President Donald Trump just one week after his trial concluded. He appeared at numerous Turning Point USA events and gave interviews to prominent right-wing media figures including Tucker Carlson.
Despite his notoriety, Rittenhouse has faced significant financial difficulties. His lawyer Mark Richards revealed in 2023 that Rittenhouse had gone broke. Richards told Court TV: “Everybody thinks that Kyle got so much money from this. Whatever money he did get is gone. He’s living, I don’t want to say paycheck to paycheck, but he’s living to support himself”.
In February 2025, Rittenhouse took a full-time position at Gulf Coast Gun & Outdoors in Milton, Florida. The gun shop announced on social media: “Kyle loved you guys so much, he decided he wants to work at GCG full time”. He also designed a rifle dubbed the “KR-15” that the shop promoted.
Gun Rights Activism and Political Engagement
Rittenhouse established The Kyle Rittenhouse Foundation in July 2023, a Texas-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting gun rights through education and legal assistance. The foundation’s directors include Chris McNutt, president of Texas Gun Rights, and Shelby Griesinger, treasurer for Defend Texas Liberty PAC.
He has actively opposed gun control legislation. In 2023, he joined activists in Texas opposing a state House bill that would have raised the minimum age for purchasing semi-automatic weapons from 18 to 21. He serves as outreach director for Texas Gun Rights.
His relationship with Trump became strained in August 2024 when Rittenhouse announced he would not vote for Trump, citing concerns about the former president’s gun rights record. He criticised Trump’s support for raising the minimum age for gun purchases and his 2018 bump stock ban. However, Rittenhouse quickly reversed his position after facing backlash from conservative supporters.
In 2025, Rittenhouse continued appearing at Republican fundraisers and Second Amendment-themed events. The Jefferson County Republican Party in Colorado booked him to headline a fundraiser in June 2025 focused on concealed carry and self-defence. He also planned appearances at the University of Memphis in February 2025.
Ongoing Civil Litigation
Whilst Rittenhouse was acquitted in criminal court, he faces ongoing civil litigation. John Huber, father of Anthony Huber, filed a wrongful death lawsuit in 2021 against Rittenhouse, Kenosha city officials, and police officers. The lawsuit alleges Rittenhouse conspired with law enforcement to harm protesters and that officers allowed a dangerous situation that violated his son’s constitutional rights.
In February 2023, US District Judge Lynn Adelman dismissed motions from Rittenhouse and government defendants seeking to block the lawsuit. The judge stated Anthony Huber’s death “could plausibly be regarded as having been proximately caused by the actions of the governmental defendants”.
Gaige Grosskreutz also added Rittenhouse as a defendant to a federal lawsuit in February 2023. Rittenhouse countersued Grosskreutz in April 2023. These civil cases remain pending and could result in substantial financial damages against Rittenhouse regardless of his criminal acquittal.
Reports emerged in 2024 suggesting Rittenhouse’s former bodyguard, Dave Hancock, possesses text messages allegedly showing Rittenhouse expressed desires to kill Black Lives Matter protesters before the Kenosha incident. Hancock indicated willingness to cooperate with Huber’s lawsuit, potentially providing damaging evidence.
Media Portrayal and UK Perspectives
British media outlets extensively covered Rittenhouse’s trial and acquittal. The BBC described the case as “politically divisive” and noted it highlighted America’s “deep divide” over guns, race, and vigilantism. Sky News and The Independent provided detailed coverage of the verdict and subsequent developments.
UK legal experts analysed the case through the lens of British self-defence law, which differs significantly from American statutes. The Legists, a UK legal publication, examined how British courts would likely view the circumstances differently, given stricter gun control laws and narrower self-defence provisions.
The Guardian and The Telegraph tracked Rittenhouse’s post-acquittal activities, including his threats to sue President Biden for allegedly calling him a white supremacist. British commentary frequently expressed bewilderment at American gun culture and the legal framework that allowed a 17-year-old to carry a military-style rifle at a volatile protest.
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The Broader Implications for American Society
The Rittenhouse case exposed fundamental divisions in American society regarding gun rights, self-defence, and racial justice. Conservative commentators and politicians celebrated his acquittal as a victory for Second Amendment rights and self-defence laws. Republican representatives Matt Gaetz and Paul Gosar offered him congressional internships.
Progressive activists viewed the verdict as evidence of racial double standards in the justice system. They argued a young Black man in similar circumstances would likely face conviction. The case became shorthand for debates about armed vigilantism and whether civilians should patrol protests with weapons.
The trial also highlighted tensions around media coverage and misinformation. Rittenhouse has pursued potential defamation lawsuits against media organisations he claims misrepresented the facts. His complaints about media portrayal have become central to his public persona.
Legal scholars continue debating the case’s implications for self-defence law. Some worry it could encourage armed civilians to insert themselves into volatile situations, knowing they might successfully claim self-defence. Others maintain the jury reached the correct verdict based on available evidence.
Current Status and Future Prospects
As of October 2025, Rittenhouse works full-time at a Florida gun shop whilst maintaining his gun rights advocacy through his foundation. He continues speaking at conservative events and engaging in Republican political campaigns.
His financial situation remains precarious despite his prominence. The ongoing civil lawsuits pose significant financial risks, potentially requiring substantial damages payments if plaintiffs prevail. Legal fees for defending against these suits continue mounting.
Rittenhouse’s public profile has diminished somewhat from its peak following his acquittal. He briefly deleted his social media accounts in mid-2025, prompting speculation about his future plans. However, he continues making public appearances and promoting gun rights causes.
The divisive nature of his case means Rittenhouse remains a controversial figure unlikely to achieve mainstream acceptance. His attempts to lead a “normal life” conflict with his simultaneous pursuit of conservative celebrity status. Whether he can sustain a long-term career in gun rights advocacy remains uncertain given his financial constraints and the pending litigation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly happened in Kenosha on 25 August 2020?
Kyle Rittenhouse, then 17, travelled from Illinois to Kenosha, Wisconsin, during protests following the police shooting of Jacob Blake. Armed with an AR-15-style rifle, he shot three men, killing Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber and wounding Gaige Grosskreutz. The shootings occurred after confrontations in which the men attempted to grab his weapon or pointed a gun at him.
Why was Rittenhouse acquitted of all charges?
A jury found Rittenhouse not guilty on all charges in November 2021 after determining he acted in self-defence. Defence lawyers successfully argued he used necessary force to prevent imminent death or serious bodily harm. Video evidence supported his claim that he was attacked before shooting each victim.
Is Rittenhouse still facing legal consequences?
Yes, Rittenhouse faces ongoing civil litigation despite his criminal acquittal. John Huber filed a wrongful death lawsuit that a federal judge allowed to proceed in 2023. Gaige Grosskreutz also sued Rittenhouse, who countersued in response. These civil cases could result in substantial financial damages.
What is Rittenhouse doing now?
As of 2025, Rittenhouse works full-time at Gulf Coast Gun & Outdoors in Florida and continues gun rights advocacy through The Kyle Rittenhouse Foundation. He speaks at conservative events and Republican fundraisers focused on Second Amendment issues. His lawyer revealed he faces financial difficulties despite his public profile.
How did UK media cover the Rittenhouse case?
British outlets including the BBC, Sky News, The Guardian, and The Independent extensively covered the trial and acquittal. UK commentary often expressed bewilderment at American gun laws and analysed how British self-defence law would view the case differently. The case was portrayed as emblematic of deep American divisions over guns, race, and vigilantism.
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