Kyle Rittenhouse

Kyle Rittenhouse
Rittenhouse in 2021
Born	Kyle Howard Rittenhouse (2003-01-03) January 3, 2003 (age 21) Antioch, Illinois, U.S.
Known for	Kenosha unrest shooting

Kyle Howard Rittenhouse (born January 3, 2003) is an American man who gained national attention at age 17 for shooting three men in Kenosha, Wisconsin—two fatally—in August 2020, amid protests following the police shooting of Jacob Blake. Rittenhouse had traveled to Kenosha during the unrest, and joined a group of armed people who said they were there to protect businesses. In a series of confrontations, Rittenhouse fatally shot two men who had tried to grab his gun, and injured another who had pointed a firearm at him. Rittenhouse was subsequently charged by Kenosha County prosecutors with multiple criminal counts, including homicide. Rittenhouse claimed self-defense at trial and was acquitted in November 2021. Two civil lawsuits against him are pending as of February 2023.

Rittenhouse's prosecution attracted widespread media coverage, becoming a cause célèbre for American right-wing organizations and media. Following his acquittal, he attended several events hosted by conservative organizations and individuals, including a meeting with former president Donald Trump, interviews with political commentator Tucker Carlson, and guest appearances at several Turning Point USA productions. Images of Rittenhouse have been used for political purposes by both right-wing and left-wing actors, becoming an internet meme and appearing on commercial products. Several proposed laws were named after him, he was offered several internships by Republican politicians, and he appeared in a video game.

Since his trial, Rittenhouse has operated a gun rights YouTube channel and started two projects, including another video game and raising money for unspecified defamation lawsuits against media companies.