Jury selected in Rittenhouse trial as judge laments politics in case

KENOSHA, Wisconsin, Nov. 1 (Reuters) – The jury was selected Monday in the trial of a US teenager accused of fatally shooting protesters in Wisconsin last year, a “very political” case.

Kyle Rittenhouse, 18, is charged with killing two men and injuring a third with a military-style rifle during the riot in Kenosha city on August 25, 2020. The protests were sparked by the shooting by a police officer of a black man, Jacob. Blake, and came amid the sometimes violent demonstrations against racism and police brutality that rocked cities across the country.

Rittenhouse has proven himself a hero to some conservatives who believe in full gun rights and who see the shootings during the chaos that engulfed Kenosha as justified, while many on the political left have labeled him a vigilante killer.

Rittenhouse is charged with seven counts, including manslaughter in the fatal shootings of Joseph Rosenbaum (36) and Anthony Huber (26) and attempted manslaughter because of the wounding of Gaige Großkreutz, 27. He pleaded not guilty. The opening arguments in the process begin on Tuesday.

The 20-person jury consists of 11 women and nine men. The group is reduced to 12 for the final deliberations.

Several potential jurors told the judge they saw video clips or other evidence hardening their views on the case, reflecting widespread media coverage of the August 25, 2020 shootings. Others said this would not change their belief in Rittenhouse’s guilt or innocence, even if evidence to the contrary is presented.

One man was excused after telling the judge that he had already made up his mind, citing his firm beliefs about the American right to bear arms.

Kenosha County’s District Judge Bruce Schroeder criticized both major parties’ 2020 presidential campaigns for their comments on the case. Days after the shootings, then-President Donald Trump suggested that Rittenhouse had acted in self-defense, while Joe Biden, Trump’s Democratic challenger and current President, accused Trump of inciting violence with his rhetoric.

“This case has become very political,” said Schroeder, calling on the jury to be “fair and impartial” for a trial that he believes will take about two weeks.

Kyle Rittenhouse arrives at the start of the jury selection for his trial on November 1st, 2021 at the Kenosha County Courthouse in Kenosha, USA. Sean Krajacic / Pool via REUTERS

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Kenosha County’s Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger asked potential jurors if they had any experience with firearms, if they had made efforts to protect their property the night of the protests, and if they could make their own decision rather than relying on them Allowing family or friends to be influenced.

Corey Chirafisi, a Rittenhouse attorney, asked to beat a potential juror who said she would equate bringing an AR-15 rifle to a protest with guilt.

“I don’t think that such a weapon should belong to the general public,” said the apologized juror.

With abundant video evidence, there is little controversy over the facts, and the two sides will likely focus primarily on how to interpret Wisconsin law, which says that people can use lethal force if they “reasonably” believe that it is necessary to prevent their own death or great bodily harm. Continue reading

YES to looters, NO to sacrifices

Prosecutors are expected to argue that Rittenhouse, who says he was in Kenosha to protect a business, was looking for violent conflict and responding with disproportionate force. They have stated in previous court records that they want to argue that the men who were shot tried to disarm Rittenhouse because he posed a threat to others.

The defense will emphasize that Rittenhouse feared for his life at every encounter. Video evidence shows Rosenbaum storming the Rittenhouse, Huber swinging a skateboard on him and Großkreutz armed with a pistol when he was shot.

Several potential jurors have expressed concern for their safety. A woman who said she drove someone else’s car to the court in order not to be identified was selected to be on the jury.

“I really don’t want to be on that jury,” said the woman, pointing to the bias in people’s view of the case. “I think either way half the country will be upset with you.”

Reporting by Nathan Layne in Kenosha, Wisconsin; Editing by Ross Colvin, Howard Goller and Peter Cooney

https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/teen-charged-with-shootings-during-wisconsin-protests-goes-trial-kenosha-2021-11-01/