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Kyle Rittenhouse trial goes to the jury

Kyle Rittenhouse
Posted at 8:29 AM, Nov 15, 2021
and last updated 2021-11-16 06:53:02-05

The jury will begin deliberating the fate of Kyle Rittenhouse on Tuesday.

The prosecution and defense wrapped up closing arguments Monday evening.

The prosecution tried to convince the jury that Rittenhouse could not claim self-defense when he shot three protesters, two of whom died, in Kenosha, Wisconsin during violent demonstrations against racism and police brutality.

"When the defendant provokes the incident, he loses the right to self-defense. You cannot claim self-defense against a danger you create," said Thomas Binger, assistant district attorney for Kenosha County, Wisconsin. "That's critical right here. If you're the one who's threatening others, you lose the right to claim self-defense."

The defense argued the opposite, saying Rittenhouse felt his life was in jeopardy.

"Every person who was shot was attacking Kyle," said defense attorney Mark Richards. "One with a skateboard, one with his hands, one with his feet, one with a gun."

Rittenhouse faces charges of first-degree intentional homicide and several others related to the shootings of the three protesters. If convicted on the most serious charges, he would face life in prison.

Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed one of the charges against Rittenhouse on Monday. Schroeder dropped the charge of possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under the age of 18.

The jury will begin deliberations at 9 a.m. CST.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has already called on the Wisconsin National Guard to assist local law enforcement in anticipation of potential unrest in the city following the jury's decision.