Rittenhouse declares “self-defense is not illegal” as acquittal exposes bitter division across the United States

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ITV News reporter Robert Moore reports on polarized governance and what it means for the United States

The acquittal of teen goalkeeper Kyle Rittenhouse sent shockwaves through America this weekend. The jury found him not guilty of premeditated murder and other crimes. There were dramatic scenes in court when the verdict was read. Rittenhouse collapsed on his knees and appeared to be in disbelief as he embraced his defense attorney.

In his first reaction to the verdict, 18-year-old Rittenhouse talks — in excerpts from an interview that will be broadcast on Fox News on Monday — about waking up in cold sweat each night of the trial.

He told right-wing broadcaster Tucker Carlson: “The jury came up with the right verdict, self-defense isn’t illegal, I think they came up with the right verdict and I’m glad everything went well.

“It was a tough journey, but we got through the tough part.”

Democrats and campaigners for racial justice expressed outrage and quickly described it as a miscarriage of justice and a triumph of white supremacy and vigilante-inspired violence.

Anti-racism group Black Lives Matter has likened Rittenhouse’s case to that of George Zimmerman, who was convicted of killing 17-year-old Travon Martin after being shot in 2012 – that ruling also sparked massive protests across America.

Armed with an AR-15 semi-automatic weapon, Kyle Rittenhouse joined groups of vigilantes patrolling the riot-devastated city of Kenosha last summer.

claims to have been defending the property; His critics say he was a provocative presence and was a teenage vigilante who intimidated the streets. When protesters chased him down the road that night in August of 2020, he opened fire, killing two people and wounding another. The incident was recorded on videotape. Although Rittenhouse and his victims were white, protests followed the police shooting of a black man, and there was always a racially sensitive background to the trial. Many Republicans and gun rights advocates are now publicly celebrating the result, while President Joe Biden has admitted he is angry with the ruling.

After the sentencing, Mr. Biden said: “While Kenosha’s sentencing will leave many Americans feeling angry and anxious, including myself, we must admit that the jury has spoken.”

A Republican congressman, Madison Cawthorne, told his followers to “be armed, dangerous, and moral” and offered Rittenhouse an internship in his office on Capitol Hill.

Rittenhouse rule further polarizes America. It raises concerns that it will embolden militia groups and vigilantes who are already anxious and angry at the Biden presidency. The possibility of further violence cannot be ruled out. While Rittenhouse enjoys his freedom, the case once again exposed angry and bitter American fault lines.

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