Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

‘Sweetheart’ Kyle Rittenhouse has ‘bigger intentions’ than Congress internship, claims Lauren Boebert

Rittenhouse has found fame on the right since he was acquitted

Eric Garcia
Monday 27 December 2021 10:30 EST
Comments
o4t9M5-m73BGujNG_1.mp4

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.

Right-wing Representative Lauren Boebert said that that despite many conservative members of Congress offering him an internship after his acquittal, Kyle Rittenhouse likely has “bigger intentions” than interning on Capitol Hill.

The Colorado Republican made the remarks on former Trump administration official Sebastian Gorka’s radio show. A jury last month found Mr Rittenhouse not guilty of five charges after he shot and killed two men and wounded a third during unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin last year.

Since then, Mr Rittenhouse has found fame on the American right. Even before then, Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida said he wanted to hire Mr Rittenhouse as an intern. After the verdict, Representative Paul Gosar of Arizona said he would arm wrestle Mr Gaetz for the opportunity to have Mr Rittenhouse in his office.

Ms Boebert said last month that Representative Madison Cawthorn of North Carolina challenged Ms Boebert to an arm-wrestling match, to which Ms Boebert challenged Mr Cawthorn, who uses a wheelchair, to a sprint.

“I have to tell you, the very first thing that he said was he saw our interview together talking about him interning in my office and how — remember I brought up that it was unfair, Madison Cawthorn wanted to challenge me to an arm wrestling contest over Mr. Rittenhouse, and I said, ‘I’m not going up against those muscles, I will challenge you to a sprint.’”

“And Kyle mentioned that, and he just loved it,” she added, also describing Mr Rittenhouse as “such a sweetheart”.

Ms Boebert said Mr Rittenhouse would visit some members of Congress who support him.

“You know, he’s gonna come out and visit some of us, but I think he has bigger intentions than being an intern in Congress,” she continued. Mr Gorka responded that while that might be true, “he needs a mentor”.

Earlier this month, Mr Rittenhouse spoke at Turning Point USA’s conference, where he was hailed as a “hero to millions”.

The verdict in Mr Rittenhouse’s trial left many, including President Joe Biden, disappointed. He commented that the verdict “will leave many Americans feeling angry and concerned, myself included”, but added people “must acknowledge that the jury has spoken”.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in