Defense Calls for Mistrial while Kyle Rittenhouse Trial Awaits a Verdict

The American people are sitting on the edge of their seats as 18-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse continues to be held on trial for killing two men and injuring one during a police brutality protest. The defense testified that on August 25, 2020 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Rittenhouse was protecting the area and shot in self-defense. However, the prosecution testified that Rittenhouse provoked the protestors with his rifle.

Several charges are held against him such as first-degree murder and possession of a dangerous weapon. If convicted, he could serve life in prison. But, after a several days of jury deliberations, there is still no verdict.

Video footage of Rittenhouse shows him claiming to be an EMT and carrying his rifle to protect himself. Other footage shows people pursuing Rittenhouse, Rittenhouse firing gunshots, and putting his hands up at passing police officers.

“I didn’t do anything wrong,” Rittenhouse said during his testimony, “I was defending myself.”

The defense is calling for a mistrial as footage of the incident was not submitted until the day of the trial. They also claimed that the quality of the video was compressed. Judge Bruce Schroeder has not ruled on the request.

The prosecution has said the act was not intentional. They have commented that they will allow the video unless it’s proven to be insufficient evidence.

Otherwise, the defense will have to prove that the change in video quality sways the case. Neither the verdict nor the mistrial has been decided.