Nation reacts to Kyle Rittenhouse verdict

The acquittal of 18-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse on multiple counts of homicide and endangering safety during a racial protest in Wisconsin last summer has sparked strong emotions across the nation.

Rittenhouse was on trial for the deaths of two protestors in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and the wounding of one other, and was found not guilty across the board.

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin) voiced his support for the proceedings after news of the verdict broke.

“I believe justice has been served in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial. I hope everyone can accept the verdict, remain peaceful, and let the community of Kenosha heal and rebuild,” Johnson tweeted Friday afternoon.

The Congressional Black Caucus immediately called for criminal justice and gun reform in the wake of the verdict.

“It is unconscionable our justice system would allow an armed vigilante — who traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin and killed Joseph Rosenbaum, Anthony Huber, and wounded Gaige Grosskreutz — to go free,” Ohio Congresswoman and Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty, a Democrat, wrote in a statement.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers issued a statement urging peace and safety from anyone planning to demonstrate after the trial.

“We must move forward, together, more united and more motivated to build the sort of future we want for our state — one that is just, one that is equitable, and one where every kid, person, and family can live their life free of violence and have every chance to be successful,” Evers said.

Locally, Attorney General Maura Healey tweeted the verdict with the message, “This is the face of hate in America. Unrepentant, privileged, and violent. Justice was not served.”

“Racism & white supremacy remain the bedrock of our legal system. My heart breaks for the family & loved ones of those whose lives were stolen, and the trauma our communities face today and every day. The struggle for accountability, for justice, for healing goes on,” U.S. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley tweeted. Pressley, a Democrat represents Massachusetts’ 7th district.

Rittenhouse’s attorney, Mark Richards, spoke to media in a televised press conference Friday afternoon and described his client’s mindset. Rittenhouse cried and hugged Richards in the courtroom after hearing the verdict.

“He has a huge sense of relief for what the jury did to him today. He wishes none of this happened. But as he said when he testified, he did not start this. We’re thankful in more ways than one that the jury got to hear the true story,” he said.

“It takes a lot to process today. I haven’t processed it,” he said.

 

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3xcWtnm