Kenosha - More Thoughts
Nov. 11th, 2021 03:25 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
chris_gerribI have not been watching the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse with as much attention as I would like. This is largely due to the demands of Ye Olde Daye Jobbe and life in general. Back when the event happened, I expressed opinions on it. Here's where my opinions have evolved to. (Disclaimer - not a lawyer, not legal advice.)
A) Taken entirely in isolation, Rittenhouse has a case for self-defense. People did appear to attack him.
B) Taken as a whole, maybe not. One of the things you're taught in concealed carry classes is that you can't be the aggressor in a confrontation and then claim self-defense. In this case, Rittenhouse:
1) Traveled many miles to a place he knew was full of hostile people
2) Visibly armed himself
3) Decided to defend property not his and without even asking permission of the owners
To me, this suggests aggression, especially point #2. I could see somebody seeking to provide medical assistance bringing a concealed pistol in the event things went from bad to worse, but strapping a rifle on your chest - not so much.
C) As the prosecutor pointed out in the trial, "You're telling us that you felt like you were about to die, right? But when you point the gun at someone else, that's going to make them feel like they're about to die, right? That's what you wanted him to feel." In short, at least two of Rittenhouse's victims had valid self-defense cases of their own.
I don't know how this case will end up, but anybody who calls it anything but a disaster has a hidden agenda to advance.
A) Taken entirely in isolation, Rittenhouse has a case for self-defense. People did appear to attack him.
B) Taken as a whole, maybe not. One of the things you're taught in concealed carry classes is that you can't be the aggressor in a confrontation and then claim self-defense. In this case, Rittenhouse:
1) Traveled many miles to a place he knew was full of hostile people
2) Visibly armed himself
3) Decided to defend property not his and without even asking permission of the owners
To me, this suggests aggression, especially point #2. I could see somebody seeking to provide medical assistance bringing a concealed pistol in the event things went from bad to worse, but strapping a rifle on your chest - not so much.
C) As the prosecutor pointed out in the trial, "You're telling us that you felt like you were about to die, right? But when you point the gun at someone else, that's going to make them feel like they're about to die, right? That's what you wanted him to feel." In short, at least two of Rittenhouse's victims had valid self-defense cases of their own.
I don't know how this case will end up, but anybody who calls it anything but a disaster has a hidden agenda to advance.
