Kenosha law enforcement is ready to act and calling for peace in the community after the Kyle Rittenhouse trial verdict came through as not guilty on all charges.
In preparation for the verdict, Kenosha law enforcement authorities said they were ready to respond to any situation, though they said there was no need to tighten security measures.
“To date, we have no reason to facilitate road closures, enact curfews or ask our communities to modify their daily routines,” the Kenosha Police Department and Kenosha Sheriff’s Office said in a joint statement, according to CBS 58.
Kenosha law enforcement are working with state and federal resources, with 500 National Guard troops on standby an hour away from Kenosha in Waukesha County.
“Our departments have worked together and made coordinated efforts over the last year to improve response capabilities to large scale events. We have also strengthened our existing relationships with State and Federal resources,” a statement released by the Kenosha Sheriff’s Office stated. “At this time, we have no reason to facilitate road closures, enact curfews or ask our communities to modify their daily routines.”
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul urged the public to respond peacefully after a chaotic year for the city.
“It’s vital that the city of Kenosha be safe following the announcement of the verdict,” Kaul said. “People of Kenosha have been through an enormous amount over the last year, and however the verdict comes out, I encourage people to respond peacefully, and it’s critical that there is no violence or destruction in Kenosha.”
Tensions between protestors were mounting outside the Kenosha Courthouse between protestors hoping for different outcomes in the trial. The majority of protestors hoped for a conviction.
According to a Fox News report, tensions boiled over and police arrested two individuals – one man for battery and another for disorderly conduct.
Kyle Rittenhouse was ultimately acquitted on all five charges after killing two protestors in self-defense. Rittenhouse was armed with an AR-15 while protecting private property and administering medical aid during the riots.
The Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office asked the community to “continue to express their opinions and feelings about this verdict in a civil and peaceful manner,” and expressed their disappointment with the outcome of the trial.
“While we are disappointed with the verdict, it must be respected,” the office said in a statement. “We are grateful to the members of the jury for their diligent and thoughtful deliberations. The Kenosha community has endured much over the past 15 months, and yet we remain resilient and strong.”
