Kyle Rittenhouse: Biography, Trial, and Life After Acquittal

Kyle Rittenhouse became a well-known name in the United States following the events of August 25, 2020, during the Kenosha unrest. His actions that night led to a widely publicized trial, sparking debates about gun rights, self-defense, and the American justice system. 

Some see him as a symbol of Second Amendment rights, while others view him as a vigilante. His case highlighted divisions within the country, with legal experts, politicians, and the media weighing in on the outcome.

Kyle Rittenhouse Age

Kyle Rittenhouse was born on January 3, 2003, in Antioch, Illinois. As of 2024, he is 21 years old. At the time of the Kenosha incident, he was 17. His young age contributed to the intense scrutiny of his actions, with many questioning whether a teenager should have been carrying a firearm in such a volatile situation.

Early Life

Kyle Rittenhouse grew up in a working-class family in Antioch, Illinois. His mother, Wendy Rittenhouse, worked multiple jobs to support her children. His parents divorced when he was young, and he was raised alongside his two sisters. He had an early interest in law enforcement and emergency services, participating in youth cadet programs. 

He attended Lakes Community High School for a short period before switching to online schooling and eventually dropping out in 2018.

Despite financial struggles, his family supported his ambitions. He expressed admiration for police officers and often posted pro-law enforcement content on social media. In 2018, he started a fundraiser for the nonprofit group Humanizing the Badge, showing his interest in supporting law enforcement. However, his aspirations to join the U.S. Marine Corps were cut short when recruiters disqualified him in early 2020.

Career 

Before the Kenosha incident, Rittenhouse worked as a part-time lifeguard at the YMCA in Lindenhurst, Illinois. His employment ended in March 2020 due to COVID-19-related furloughs. He had no prior criminal record and no known history of violence. His primary career interests revolved around law enforcement, emergency medical response, and public safety.

His admiration for police officers and first responders extended beyond social media. He reportedly sought to gain experience by volunteering in various community programs. He also attended a Trump rally in Des Moines, Iowa, in January 2020, where he was seated in the front row. His political leanings and social media activity became a point of discussion during his trial, with prosecutors and defense attorneys presenting different interpretations of his motives.

What Did Kyle Rittenhouse Do?

On August 25, 2020, Rittenhouse traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin, during protests following the police shooting of Jacob Blake. He carried an AR-15-style rifle, stating he was there to protect businesses from looters and provide medical aid. That night, he became involved in violent encounters that resulted in the shooting of three individuals, two of whom died.

Who Did Kyle Rittenhouse Kill?

Rittenhouse fired his weapon at three men during the Kenosha unrest:

• Joseph Rosenbaum (36 years old): Unarmed at the time, he allegedly chased Rittenhouse and attempted to grab his rifle. Rittenhouse fired multiple shots, killing him.
• Anthony Huber (26 years old): He attempted to strike Rittenhouse with a skateboard. Rittenhouse fired a fatal shot into his chest.
• Gaige Grosskreutz (27 years old): He was armed with a handgun. Video footage showed him pointing it at Rittenhouse before being shot in the arm. He survived the shooting.

Rittenhouse claimed self-defense, stating he feared for his life. The prosecution argued that he provoked the violence by carrying a firearm into a protest and engaging in reckless behavior.

Kyle Rittenhouse Case

Rittenhouse was arrested the day after the shootings and charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree intentional homicide and reckless endangerment. His trial began in November 2021, attracting national attention. The defense argued that he acted in self-defense, while the prosecution attempted to prove he had no legal right to use deadly force.

After weeks of testimony and deliberation, the jury found Rittenhouse not guilty on all charges. The verdict sparked strong reactions. Supporters viewed it as a victory for self-defense rights, while critics saw it as an example of racial and legal disparities in the justice system. The case remains a key talking point in discussions about gun laws, vigilantism, and protest-related violence.

Kyle Rittenhouse Victims

The victims of the Kenosha shootings were all men who were present during the protests. Each had different backgrounds and reasons for being there.

• Joseph Rosenbaum: He was previously convicted of sex offenses and had been released from a hospital earlier that day. He was unarmed at the time of the shooting.
• Anthony Huber: He had a history of domestic violence but was seen as a passionate activist. He reportedly tried to disarm Rittenhouse before being shot.
• Gaige Grosskreutz: A paramedic and protester, he survived the shooting. He later testified that he pointed his handgun at Rittenhouse before being shot.

Kyle Rittenhouse and Whoopi Goldberg

Following the trial, Rittenhouse was involved in a legal battle with media figures, including actress and television host Whoopi Goldberg. She referred to him as a “murderer” even after his acquittal. Rittenhouse responded by filing defamation lawsuits against several media outlets and public figures, claiming they misrepresented him.

Kyle Rittenhouse Net Worth

As of 2024, Rittenhouse’s estimated net worth is around $50,000. His legal defense fund received millions in donations, but most of the money went toward legal fees. He has since tried to build a financial future through media appearances, crowdfunding campaigns, and political engagements.

Kyle Rittenhouse Family

Rittenhouse comes from a small family. His mother, Wendy Rittenhouse, has been a vocal supporter throughout his legal battles. His father, Michael, was largely absent from his upbringing. He has two sisters, but little information is publicly available about their lives. His family faced financial difficulties before the trial, and his mother struggled to pay legal expenses.

Kyle Rittenhouse Now

As of 2024, Rittenhouse lives in Dallas, Texas. He founded The Rittenhouse Foundation, an organization that focuses on legal defense rights and Second Amendment advocacy. He frequently appears at conservative political events and has been associated with groups like Turning Point USA.

His educational status remains unclear. Reports indicate that he considered attending Texas A&M University but ultimately did not enroll. His public image continues to divide Americans, with supporters viewing him as a victim of political persecution and critics seeing him as an irresponsible vigilante.

Kyle Rittenhouse Lawyer

Rittenhouse was defended by a legal team led by Mark Richards and Corey Chirafisi. They built a strong self-defense argument, which played a crucial role in his acquittal. Other lawyers, such as Lin Wood and John Pierce, were initially involved in fundraising efforts but later distanced themselves from the case.

Conclusion

Kyle Rittenhouse’s case remains one of the most controversial legal events in recent U.S. history. His story has been used to fuel debates about gun rights, protest movements, and self-defense laws. Some consider him a hero, while others believe he represents the dangers of unregulated firearms. His future remains uncertain, but his name will likely continue to spark discussions for years to come.