Kyle Rittenhouse acquittal sparks protests across US
ABC News
Demonstrations sprang up nationwide in protest of the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict Friday night.
Demonstrations sprang up nationwide in protest of the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict Friday night, after a Wisconsin jury found the 18-year-old not guilty for the killing of two men and the wounding of another during political unrest in Kenosha last summer.
The verdict sparked outrage among those who feared an acquittal would embolden vigilantism, and anger in the families of the men shot who were seeking accountability and justice. Others, including pro-gun conservatives, have hailed Rittenhouse as a hero who was protecting private property from rioters.
In Kenosha, protesters gathered outside the courthouse, reacting in anger and frustration to the verdict. Outside a local church, pastors led residents in a prayer vigil Friday night, with some toting signs that said "Heal Kenosha."
"Profoundly disappointed, sad, angry, crying, grieving and also looking to the future. Like OK, we've got work to do," Rev. Monica Cummings, of Bradford Community Church, told Reuters of the mood that night. "And at the top of the list is healing. Our community can now begin the long process of healing and looking at how we want to be as a community together."
