In the most recent developments, the Wisconsin judge presiding over the Kyle Rittenhouse case motioned to dismiss the sixth count against defendant Kyle Rittenhouse on Monday, effectively dropping the underage gun charge and determining the rifle carried was lawful.
As closing arguments were taking place, Judge Schroeder explained the defendant did not violate a law that is only applicable for individuals under the age of 16, nor did it violate length of barrel requirements, citing poorly written legislation.
“If the barrel length is less than 16 inches or an overall length less than 26 inches, then I’ll deny either motion. If it does not meet those specifications, then this defense motion will be granted,” Kenosha County Circuit Judge Bruce Schroeder said during Monday’s trial.
Despite this small victory, the now 18 year old Kyle Rittenhouse is still facing multiple felony counts, including two counts of homicide.
Kyle Rittenhouse was 17 years old when he was arrested for fatally shooting two protesters that happened to be in the midst of violent riots that broke out during the summer of 2020 in response to altercations between Jacob Blake, a 29-year old black man, and a white policeman.
All of this added fuel to the already existing fire from violent Black Lives Matter protests that took place nationwide that same summer, stemming from hopes of increased racial justice due to similar shootings.
However, some analysts and critics of the case believe lesser charges can potentially be dropped against the defendant if it is provable the 18 year old acted in self defense.
Stay tuned for more updates as the case is still developing.