Kyle Rittenhouse trial: Anger as judge who banned word ‘victims’ lets witness call protesters ‘antifa’
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The trial of accused killer Kyle Rittenhouse resumed Thursday morning after an especially chaotic day in court.
Today the defence plans to introduce a number of new witnesses, including a doctor and a police officer.
Mr Rittenhouse, 18, has been charged with homicide in the deaths of two men he shot during a night of protests and riots in Kenosha, Wisconsin last year – Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26. He also shot a third man, Gauge Grosskreutz, who was wounded but survived.
Yesterday, Mr Rittenhouse broke down crying during emotional testimony in which he insisted he acted in self-defense and “didn’t do anything wrong.”
In another dramatic moment, his lawyers motioned to declare a mistrial, citing “prosecutorial misconduct.” The defence accused prosecutors of violating Mr Rittenhouse’s rights by mentioning his silence in the wake of the 25 August 2020 shootings and by referencing a video that was previously deemed inadmissible.
If the motion is granted, Mr Rittenhouse cannot be tried again for the same crimes.
If Mr Rittenhouse is convicted, he could face life in prison.
Judge expects trial to finish by Monday or Tuesday
Judge Bruce Schroeder, who is overseeing the Kyle Rittenhouse trial, told jurors at the end of Wednesday that he expects the proceedings to wrap up early next week.
“I have just discussed the matter with the lawyers, and I’m very confident that we will finish by Tuesday as I asked you about a couple of weeks ago,” Judge Schroeder said. “And there is a bare chance, I don’t want to get your hopes up, but there is a chance we can finish on Monday. And that’s the best of my information. It isn’t a promise, but I think that’s very realistic.”
Here’s what Rittenhouse said in his testimony
Kyle Rittenhouse delivered emotional testimony on the stand on Wednesday, at times breaking down into tears. If you missed it, here’s a breakdown of what he said:
A look at key points in Kyle Rittenhouse's testimony
Kyle Rittenhouse took the stand in his murder trial, acknowledging he used deadly force when he shot three people during a protest against police brutality in Wisconsin year
Trial resumes, defense says it will call three witnesses
The trial of Kyle Rittenhouse resumed at about 10am on Thursday. The defence said it will call three witnesses, starting with an expert named Dr John Black, but has not yet explained what his testimony will discuss.
Judge calls first witness, use-of-force expert John Black
Judge Bruce Schroeder has called in the jury, and the defence has called its first witness: John Black, a former sergeant in the US military and use-of-force expert. Mr Rittenhouse’s lawyers are currently questioning him about his experience examining videos.
Watch live video of the trial
Day 8 of the Kyle Rittenhouse trial is underway. You can watch it live here:
Sparks fly over scope of witness’s testimony
The defence and prosecutors are wrangling over the scope of Dr John Black’s testimony, with the disagreement growing increasingly heated.
The prosecutor, Thomas Binger, says Judge Bruce Schroeder signed an order limiting Dr Black’s testimony to the timing of Mr Rittenhouse’s gunshots, but the defence is arguing he should be allowed to go beyond that. In making his case, Mr Binger brought up the scolding he took from Judge Schroeder on Wednesday.
“I have to say, your honor, yesterday I was the target of your ire for disregarding your orders,” Mr Binger said. “Today the defense is disregarding your order.”
Here’s what Judge Schroeder angrily told prosecutors yesterday
Today prosecutors have accused Judge Bruce Schroeder of a double standard when it comes to violating his orders – offering leniency to the defence, they say, while angrily upbraiding the prosecution.
“I have to say, your honor, yesterday I was the target of your ire for disregarding your orders,” prosecutor Thomas Binger told the judge. “Today the defense is disregarding your order.”
For context, here’s the tongue-lashing that Mr Binger is referring to:
Kyle Rittenhouse defence calls for mistrial as chaotic court erupts in shouting
Judge assails prosecutors as teenager takes the stand in double homicide trial
Judge got days confused and now hopes to finish trial tomorrow, report says
According to Chicago Tribune reporter Stacy St Clair, Judge Bruce Schroeder now hopes to finish the trial tomorrow – because he’d previously gotten the days of the week mixed up.
“Judge is on the bench for the Kyle Rittenhouse trial,” Ms St Clair tweeted. “Judge thought yesterday was Thursday, so he says plans for closings on Monday maybe scrapped. He says he’d like to see the case wrapped up tomorrow.”
Defence witness resumes testimony
The defence’s first witness for today, Dr John Black, is speaking again after a disagreement over the scope of his testimony.
Dr Black, a use-of-force expert and former sergeant in the US military, is now explaining video footage of the night of the shootings in minute detail.
Defence finishes questioning video expert
The defence has finished questioning its first witness, Dr John Black.
Dr Black outlined – in minute detail – the gaps in time between Kyle Rittenhouse’s gunshots. He also discussed the limitations of video footage for capturing human experience.
“Video has great value, but it is not the experience or the perception of the people involved in the event,” Dr Black said. “It can’t be.”