Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Kyle Rittenhouse has been found not guilty of all charges in his homicide trial.
Earlier on Friday (19 November), the jury reached a verdict after four days of deliberation.
Last year, during protests against police brutality in Wisconsin, Rittenhouse shot dead two people and injured a third but claimed he was acting in self-defence.
Rittenhouse was charged with five felony counts: first-degree reckless homicide, first-degree intentional homicide, attempted first-degree intentional homicide, and two counts of recklessly endangering safety in the first degree.
After the verdict was read, Rittenhouse became emotional and hugged his attorney.
There has been reaction across social media from the entertainment world as much of the US has closely followed the trial and its outcome.
Shameless star Emmy Rossum called the verdict a “devastating blow”.
Star Trek actor George Takei tweeted: “Justice denied is a body blow to our national psyche. On trial was not only a killer, but a system that continues to kill. Today that system defeated true justice, once again. But mark these words: We will never stop fighting for what is right and just.”
Josh Gad, best known as the voice of Olaf in Frozen wrote: “It has now been put it out there that vigilantes can just go and kill people protesting issues like racial equality whenever they want and get away with it. Think about that for a second.”
Author Roxane Gay tweeted: “I knew Rittenhouse would be acquitted but it is gutting to witness the inevitable, to know there will be no consequences for the judge, and to know Rittenhouse and others like him will be more emboldened to be openly white supremacist vigilantes. It’s hollowing.”
TV presenter Chris Hayes posted to social media: “Honestly hope that kid takes the opportunity to turn his life around and tries to make the world a better place rather than pursuing the George Zimmerman life trajectory.”
Duncan Jones, film director and son of Davie Bowie tweeted: “America, your legal system is a dumpster fire.”
Scream actor Matthew Lillard condemned the outcome: “Not guilty. Welcome to the Wild f****** West. The violence that is coming will be unprecedented.”
Author Jessica Valenti also said of the verdict: “This is an invitation for future white supremacist violence.”