Kyle Rittenhouse abruptly departed the stage during an appearance at the University of Memphis on Wednesday, after he was confronted about comments made by Turning Point USA founder and president Charlie Kirk.
Rittenhouse was invited by the college’s Turning Point USA chapter to speak at the campus. However, the event was met with backlash from a number of students who objected to Rittenhouse’s presence.
The 21-year-old gained notoriety in August 2020 when, at the age of 17, he shot and killed two men—Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26, as well as injuring 26-year-old Gaige Grosskreutz—at a protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
He said the three shootings, carried out with a semi-automatic AR-15-style firearm, were in self-defense. The Black Lives Matter (BLM) protest where the shootings took place was held after Jacob Blake, a Black man, was left paralyzed from the waist down after he was shot by a white police officer.
I mean that seems fair that he wouldn’t comment on something he doesn’t know about
“I haven’t heard those quotes before. Presented without context, they sound pretty bad but I will reserve judgement until I’ve had a chance to do more research.”
That wasn’t that hard of a question to duck.
That’s easy to say in retrospect but a lot of people can’t think of something to say when asked something unexpected on the spot. Even if they know the answer.
I’m sure the people he killed would disagree
What?
It’s a good point. On one context he was quite willing to take human life but he definitely doesn’t want to get misquoted so he takes the time and energy to get it right.
Oh I see, idk, seems like he’s just someone who gets scared under pressure
Exactly the kinda person who shouldn’t have a gun.
Also exactly the kinda person who might need a gun to defend themselves.
He traveled there.
Yes
You know at work when I can’t give a firm answer to a question I will just say so and promise to find out. Turns out when you are not a murderer people cut you slack