UPDATE 8/5
Donald Trump described Kyle Rittenhouse as a “fan” and a “nice young man” after meeting him at his Mar-a-Lago estate following Rittenhouse’s acquittal in the Kenosha shootings case. However, it seems Rittenhouse’s admiration for Trump was not as deep as initially portrayed.
In a recent video, Rittenhouse revealed his intentions to write in Ron Paul for the upcoming presidential election, citing his dissatisfaction with Trump’s stance on the Second Amendment. “A lot of people are upset that I said that I’m going to be writing in Ron Paul for president of the United States. And that is true, I will be writing in Ron Paul,” Rittenhouse declared. He further explained, “Unfortunately, Donald Trump had bad advisers making him bad on Second Amendment and that is my issue. If you cannot be completely, uncompromisable on the Second Amendment, I will not vote for you.”
Oh well, Kyle I regret to inform you that I will no longer be one of your guests on September 12 at the TXGR event. I reckon you can write in someone else. This was not the way, bud. pic.twitter.com/8FjZM1a6Sg
— Chad Prather (@WatchChad) August 2, 2024
Rittenhouse remained firm in his decision, adding, “I support my decision and I have no takebacks.” He also shared a picture of himself posing with Ron Paul, solidifying his endorsement.
Kyle Rittenhouse was charged with homicide, attempted homicide, and reckless endangerment for the events during a chaotic night of protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in the summer of 2020. The protests erupted after the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, by a white Kenosha police officer. Rittenhouse, then a 17-year-old former police youth cadet, claimed he went to Kenosha to protect property from rioters. Video evidence, including that from an FBI drone, showed that he came under attack and feared for his life, which led to the shootings.
It’s actually amazing how much was captured on footage. Not only multiple on the ground recordings but also an aerial FBI drone that watched the whole thing. A detail I forgot, Rittenhouse was asking if anyone needed medical aid when the pedophile yelled “let’s get him.” pic.twitter.com/hRvupmJCv9
— memetic_sisyphus (@memeticsisyphus) March 22, 2024
In response to the verdict, Joe Biden called for calm, acknowledging the mixed emotions among Americans. “While the outcome of the case will leave many Americans feeling angry and concerned, myself included, we must acknowledge that the jury has spoken,” Biden stated.
At the time of the shootings, Trump commented that Rittenhouse appeared to have been “very violently attacked.” Following the acquittal, Trump congratulated Rittenhouse on the verdict, emphasizing his view on the matter by stating, “if that’s not self-defense, nothing is!”
The meeting between Trump and Rittenhouse at Mar-a-Lago seemed to cement a bond between them, at least publicly. However, Rittenhouse’s recent endorsement of Ron Paul is pretty shocking.
UPDATE: Kyle Rittenhouse has now corrected his statement and said that he has now decided to endorse Trump after discussion his concerns with Trump team members.
