Kenosha gunman Kyle Rittenhouse launches YouTube channel about firearms
The Illinois teen who killed two unarmed protesters and injured a third man during 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstrations in Kenosha, Wis., says he’s launching a YouTube channel about firearms.
“You might remember me as the kid who defended himself with a firearm during the 2020 riots in Kenosha, Wisconsin,” reads a bio page welcoming supporters to the program. “Join me in my journey to learn everything I can about new and vintage firearms and help to defend the Second Amendment.”
Kyle Rittenhouse speaks at a panel discussion at the Turning Point USA America Fest 2021 event, Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, in Phoenix. (Ross D. Franklin/)
Rittenhouse became a household name in the aftermath of the police killing of Minnesota man George Floyd, which sparked peaceful protests and alarming riots nationwide. At one of those events in August 2020 — fueled by the unrelated police shooting of a Wisconsin man — Rittenhouse, then 17, traveled over state lines, armed himself and took to the streets of Kenosha.
He was tried for homicide after killing local man Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber of Silver Lake, Wis., then injuring Milwaukee County man Gaige Grosskreutz, who’d been carrying a pistol. Grosskreutz testified that his arm had been “vaporized” by the defendant and his semi-automatic Smith & Wesson M&P 15 rifle.
Rittenhouse beat the rap and has since become a right-wing sensation who’s appeared on the Fox News Channel with network star Tucker Carlson. His YouTube program launched Sunday with a 35-second introduction. That clip had nearly 22,000 views by Monday evening and outrageous suggestions from apparent fans.
“Here’s a video suggestion for after Halloween: get some free pumpkins from people who want to get rid of them, throw some tannerite in there and shoot them,” suggested one viewer. “I’ve never seen a get pumpkin vaporized faster. It’s what I love to do after Halloween.”
Kyle Rittenhouse to speak at conservative ‘AmericaFest’ conference
Rittenhouse’s introductory video showed him seated alongside fellow YouTube performer and gun enthusiast Brandon Herrera. Herrera said he’d offered “advice” to the teen, adding that he couldn’t guarantee it was “great advice” until he sees how the new YouTube channel works out.
Kyle Rittenhouse walks along Sheridan Road in Kenosha, Wis., in this Aug. 25, 2020 file photo. (Adam Rogan/)
In June, Rittenhouse launched a “Turkey Shoot” video game that sells online for $9.99. It claims “this game will aid Kyle’s legal defense against the fake News.”
Rittenhouse has pledged to take action against individuals and media outlets he accuses of defaming him following the shootings in Kenosha. He’s yet to file any suits, he said last month on Twitter.
