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KENOSHA, Wis. — Jurors began deliberations Tuesday in Kyle Rittenhouse’s closely watched murder trial over a triple shooting that killed two men and injured a third during last year’s riots in Kenosha.
The jury consists of seven women and five men who were selected Tuesday morning.
“Members of the jury, it is for you to determine whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of each of the offenses charged,” Judge Bruce Schroeder said.
Rittenhouse drew six others’ names from a raffle drum to be designated as alternates.
Rittenhouse, 18, is charged with killing Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26, and wounding Gaige Grosskreutz, 28, as anti-police brutality protests broke out in the city on Aug. 25, 2020.
Prosecutors have argued that Rittenhouse was a “wannabe soldier” who instigated the violent encounters by toting an AR-style rifle.
“If you created the danger, you forfeit the right to self-defense by bringing that gun, aiming at people, threatening people’s lives,” lead prosecutor Thomas Binger said in closing arguments. “The defendant provoked everything.”
But Rittenhouse’s lawyers have insisted that Rittenhouse acted in self-defense, arguing that he only shot those who threatened him.
“When my client shot Joseph Rosenbaum, he feared for his life,” lead defense attorney Mark Richards said in closing arguments. “He feared because of the prior threats to prior statements and the violent acts witnessed by my client.”
Rittenhouse faces five charges, including intentional homicide, which carries a mandatory life sentence.
The judge on Tuesday directed both legal teams to stay within 10 minutes of the courthouse in case the jury delivers a verdict.
Mark and Patricia McClosky, the St. Louis couple who made headlines last year for brandishing guns on Black Lives Matter protesters, were also in court Tuesday to show support for the teen.
“We’re just here to support Kyle and hope that the jury comes out with an acquittal on all counts and, you know, to support people’s rights to defend themselves,” Mark told The Post.
Outside of the courthouse, a handful of Black Lives Matter protesters shouting, “No justice, no peace,” clashed with Rittenhouse’s supporters.
“F–k Black Lives Matter,” one of Rittenhouse’s supporters fired back at the group.
“If the glove don’t fit, acquit,” he added.
Among the protesters was also Kenosha resident Bill Gregory, 55, who was beckoning people to take a selfie with his cardboard cutout, “Killer Kyle” — which portrays the teen flashing a hand symbol in support of white power.
“He killed people. He said he’s a medic, he fled the scene after killing that man,” Gregory told The Post.
The shootings last year in Kenosha took place during protests that followed the police shooting of a black man, Jacob Blake, who was left paralyzed from the waist down.
In anticipation of a verdict, Gov. Tony Evers called 500 National Guard members to the area to be on standby to handle any unrest.
With Post wires
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