Kyle Rittenhouse, who was found not guilty as a teenager in 2021 of murder during a riot in Wisconsin after shooting and injuring three people who had attacked him, sparked controversy recently by publicly opposing former President Donald Trump.
In a brief video posted on Thursday, Rittenhouse stated that he could not support Trump due to his position on certain gun laws and announced his intention to cast a write-in vote for Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) in the upcoming election.
WATCH:
Kyle Rittenhouse took the support of MAGA and Donald Trump but now is completely turning on him to “write in” a candidate in 2024.
After all the movement did for him?
Absolutely disgusted with this kid. pic.twitter.com/ITNLN7OwwL
— Joey Mannarino (@JoeyMannarinoUS) August 2, 2024
However, in less than 12 hours, following a significant backlash on social media, during which numerous users highlighted that Trump and his supporters had previously supported the teenager during his difficult times, Rittenhouse experienced a shift in perspective.
“Over the past 12 hours, I’ve had a series of productive conversations with members of the Trump’s team and I am confident he will be the strong ally gun owners need to defend our Second Amendment rights.
My comments made last night were ill-informed and unproductive. I’m 100% behind Donald Trump and encourage every gun owner to join me in helping send him back to the White House,” he subsequently posted on the X platform.
Over the past 12 hours, I've had a series of productive conversations with members of the Trump's team and I am confident he will be the strong ally gun owners need to defend our Second Amendment rights.
My comments made last night were ill-informed and unproductive. I'm 100%…
— Kyle Rittenhouse (@ThisIsKyleR) August 2, 2024
Rittenhouse first gained widespread recognition when he was acquitted of shooting two men during the August 2020 riots sparked by the death of George Floyd.
The jury determined that his actions were a legitimate act of self-defense.
Following this, Rittenhouse has become a notable proponent of gun rights. His recent choice not to endorse Trump in the general election is said to have been influenced by his belief that the former president had a “weak” position on the Second Amendment.
The responses to Rittenhouse’s apology varied, with many expressing support for it.
“Glad you came to your senses. Trump 2024. A vote for ANYONE else is a vote for gun-grabbing Kamala. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you,” one user said on social media. “Bro didn’t even make it 12 hours lol,” another stated on X. “Awesome to see man. The people that got nasty and attacked rather than offering mere disagreement should not be forgotten,” someone else replied.
I was harder on you than anyone – but I can't hold a grudge when a man apologizes.
Just remember, when it was political poison to take your side, Trump and MAGA was there for you during your lowest point.
— Catturd ™ (@catturd2) August 2, 2024
I was harder on you than anyone – but I can't hold a grudge when a man apologizes.
Just remember, when it was political poison to take your side, Trump and MAGA was there for you during your lowest point.
— Catturd ™ (@catturd2) August 2, 2024
It’s OK to disagree with Trump.
But we have to think big.
We have to win this election.
We can have policy debates all day, so long as the general consensus is that we need to save this country.
— Eric Matheny 🎙️ (@ericmmatheny) August 2, 2024
Glad you woke up and changed your mind
MAGA is the only way we save America
— Marjorie Taylor Greene Press Release (Parody) (@MTGrepp) August 2, 2024
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