Jurors Chosen in Rittenhouse Trial, Deliberations Begin

Jurors began deliberating in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial today. Yesterday, the prosecution argued that Rittenhouse provoked the fatal shootings by pointing his AR-15-style weapon at Joseph Rosenbaum. Prosecutor Thomas Binger said “that is what provokes this entire incident, when the defendant provokes this incident, he loses the right to self-defense. You cannot claim self-defense against a danger you create.” Defense Attorney Mark Richards said Rittenhouse did not act recklessly when he fatally shot Rosenbaum who Richards said threatened him, chased him, threw a plastic bag at him and lunged for his gun. Closing arguments took most of the day yesterday. This morning, the 18 person jury was narrowed down to 12 with five men and seven women.

Rittenhouse is charged with five felonies: first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless homicide, attempted first-degree intentional homicide and two counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety. If convicted of the most serious charge he could face a mandatory sentence of life in prison. A misdemeanor weapons possessions charge and a non-criminal curfew violation were dismissed by the judge prior to deliberations.