There has been a mixed reaction on social media after a jury acquitted Kyle Rittenhouse on Friday (US time) on charges that he murdered two men and attempted to murder a third with his semi-automatic rifle.
The jury determined that the teenager acted in self-defence when he shot three people during a chaotic 2020 racial justice protest in Wisconsin
A 12-member jury found Rittenhouse, 18, not guilty on two counts of homicide, one count of attempted homicide and two counts of recklessly endangering safety during street protests marred by arson, rioting and looting on August 25, 2020 in the working-class city of Kenosha in Wisconsin.
As the verdict was read for each count, the 18-year-old quivered, sobbed and — on the fifth and final “not guilty” — fell to his knees.
The shootings occurred during the civil unrest that was centred around the police shooting of Jacob Blake who was left seriously injured.
Blake's uncle, Justin Blake, told reporters outside the Kenosha County Courthouse that Kenosha is a "very racist city," following Rittenhouse's acquittal.
"This is a very racist city, it's been shown through and through ... the judge displayed that," Blake says.
New York Times journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones compared the outcome in the case to the history of slavery.
"In this country, you can even kill white people and get away with it if those white people are fighting for Black lives. This is the legacy of 1619," Jones tweeted.
American actress Viola Davis responded to the verdict simple by saying, "Welcome to America," while American actor and activist George Takei had a similar view.
"Justice denied is a body blow to our national psyche," Takei tweeted. "On trial was not only a killer, but a system that continues to kill. Today that system defeated true justice, once again.
"But mark these words: We will never stop fighting for what is right and just."
Former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly took the opposite view saying she agreed with the verdict, tweeting that "justice was done."
"Kyle Rittenhouse was unfairly maligned by a dishonest press, and politicians who used him to advance their own fortunes," she says.
"If there are riots, these smear merchants will shoulder much of the blame."
Politicians around America have shared their thoughts on the outcome, with some calling the justice system "broken" while others said it sets an "alarming" new precedent.
"A system that legitimizes vigilante murder is deeply broken," said US Rep. Gwen Moore of Milwaukee in a tweet.
Vice President Kamala Harris said the verdict speaks for itself and that "there's a lot more work to do."
"The verdict really speaks for itself," Harris says. "As many of you know, I've spent a majority of my career working to make the criminal justice system more equitable. And, clearly, there's a lot more work to do."
While Republican US Senator Ron Johnson had a different view saying that justice had been served.
"I hope everyone can accept the verdict, remain peaceful and let the community of Kenosha heal and rebuild," he said.
Former US President Donald Trump gave his two cents saying that "if that’s not self-defence, nothing is!"
"Congratulations to Kyle Rittenhouse for being found INNOCENT of all charges," Trump says. "It’s called being found NOT GUILTY—And by the way, if that’s not self-defence, nothing is!
President Joe Biden said he spoke to the Governor of Wisconsin Tony Evers and offered any federal assistance needed to protect safety in the area.
"I urge everyone to express their views peacefully, consistent with the rule of law," Biden says. "Violence and destruction of property have no place in our democracy.
"While the verdict in Kenosha will leave many Americans feeling angry and concerned, myself included, we must acknowledge that the jury has spoken."
