"Failure of the Judicial System"... Controversy Over Not Guilty Verdict for US Teen Who Shot 2 'Racial Discrimination Protesters'

Kyle Rittenhouse, who was charged with shooting and killing two people during a protest against racial discrimination, closed his eyes and choked up as he was acquitted on the 19th.
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] A teenage boy who shot and killed two people during protests against racial discrimination in the United States was acquitted. Amidst fierce criticism and support, interest in the circumstances of the incident is also growing.

According to the Washington Post on the 20th (local time), the jury of the Kenosha County Court in Wisconsin delivered a verdict of not guilty on all charges against Kyle Rittenhouse (18), who was charged with five counts including two murders and one attempted murder, the day before.

The 12-member jury decided on Rittenhouse's innocence after three consecutive days of hearings and 26 hours of deliberation.

The incident occurred last August in Kenosha County when Black man Jacob Blake was seriously injured by police excessive force shooting, which triggered protest demonstrations.

At the time, 17-year-old Rittenhouse took an illegally purchased AR-15 rifle through an acquaintance and went out to the streets where protests were taking place. He then shot and killed two protesters and injured one.

Rittenhouse turned himself in to the police two days after the incident with his mother. He claimed that his actions were self-defense as he felt threatened.

Rittenhouse said, "During the protests that escalated with looting and arson, I was trying to protect people, but when protesters attacked me and tried to take my gun, I had no choice but to fire."

On the other hand, the prosecution argued his guilt, citing that he had loaded 30 specially made 'full metal jacket' bullets capable of piercing targets into his gun, showed no remorse after the shooting, and was the only person who shot and killed someone at the scene that night.

Since then, the case has become a fierce subject of debate over issues such as the scope of justifiable self-defense and the legitimacy of gun ownership.

Meanwhile, after Rittenhouse was acquitted, contrasting reactions unfolded outside the courthouse.

On August 25, 2020, Kyle Rittenhouse was roaming the streets armed with a firearm in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, USA. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

The victims' families expressed anger, calling it a "failure of the judicial system." Those opposing the verdict criticized the system for being lenient toward a white defendant, saying, "A teenage boy walking around with a gun and killing people should be punished."

Jonathan McClaren, head of the Minnesota Justice Coalition, said, "We expected a typical verdict, but we held onto hope. Today, however, we witnessed the worst," criticizing the court. Protests condemning the verdict continued in places like New York and Chicago.

On the other hand, those who hailed Rittenhouse as a hero cheered his acquittal. They claimed Rittenhouse was a hero standing up for gun rights and law and order.

Former President Donald Trump defended him, saying, "The left tried to inject hatred into the trial, but Rittenhouse succeeded in his defense," calling him a brave figure.

U.S. media expressed concern that this verdict would deepen racial and class conflicts in the country. It is also expected to become another worry for President Biden, who is struggling with declining approval ratings.

This is because the Democratic Party is pressuring President Biden to accelerate police reform and gun control, while the Republican Party is raising opposing voices based on the verdict, increasing the likelihood of worsening social division.

When asked about the verdict by reporters, President Biden briefly replied, "We have to accept what the jury said. I respect that."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.