Rittenhouse, 18, is charged with killing two men and wounding a third in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in summer 2020.
Rittenhouse and his attorneys claim he acted in self-defense, but the prosecution has painted him as the aggressor. In this case, the burden of proof is on prosecutors to prove the shooting was not justified.
Who are the victims?
Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, was the first person fatally shot by Rittenhouse. The teen claims Rosenbaum chased him and grabbed his firearm — before Rittenhouse shot him four times. He had never physically touched Rittenhouse.
Anthony Huber, 26, was shot in the chest by Rittenhouse. Born in Kenosha, he died four days after his birthday according to an obituary. Rittenhouse claims Huber had kicked him in the face and struck him in the head with his skateboard. The teen says he shot Huber as he tried to reach for his weapon.
Gaige Grosskreutz, 27, was the sole survivor of the shootings. Moments after Huber was killed, Rittenhouse shot Grosskreutz in the arm. Grosskreutz says he lost 90% of his bicep. At trial, he admitted that he thought he was going to die. Rittenhouse said he reacted to seeing his handgun, which Grosskreutz explained to the court that he pulled out because he thought Rittenhouse was an active shooter.
What are the charges?
Count 1: First-degree reckless homicide, use of a dangerous weapon
Count 2: First-degree recklessly endangering safety, use of a dangerous weapon
Count 3: First-degree intentional homicide, use of a dangerous weapon
Count 4: Attempted first-degree intentional homicide, use of a dangerous weapon
Count 5: First-degree recklessly endangering safety, use of a dangerous weapon
What is the defense saying?
His attorneys say the shootings were in self-defense.
Relevant questions during the trial:
Prosecutor: Did you, Kyle Rittenhouse, play violent video games with your friends in the past?
Kyle Rittenhouse: Yes.
Prosecutor: In these games, you carry guns and shoot other people. Is that correct?
Kyle Rittenhouse: Yes
Prosecutor: I rest my case.
Highlight #2
Prosecutor: Why did you carry a gun?
Kyle Rittenhouse: For protection.
Prosecutor: Ah-ha! So if you didn't think you would need to use it, then how come did you want it for protection?
Kyle Rittenhouse: I didn't think I'd need to use it.
Prosecutor: But you just said you wanted it for protection. How is it possible that you want to carry a gun but thought you didn't need to use it?
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