Federal officials were told to make supportive statements about Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old who charged with killing two protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last month, according to an internal Department of Homeland Security memo.
The document, obtained by NBC News, encourages employees to highlight that Rittenhouse “took his rifle to the scene of the rioting to help defend small business owners,” and note, “Kyle was seen being chased and attacked by rioters before allegedly shooting three of them, killing two” when talking to the media.
The talking points also say: “Subsequent video has emerged reportedly showing that there were ‘multiple gunmen’ involved, which would lend more credence to the self-defense claims.” In addition, the memo advises officials to say they can’t comment on an active investigation if asked about Rittenhouse and add, “What I will say is that Rittenhouse, just like everyone else in America, is innocent until proven guilty and deserves a fair trial based on all the facts, not just the ones that support a certain narrative. This is why we try the accused in the court of law, not the star chamber of public opinion.”
“This is also why we need to stop the violence in our cities,” the guidance urges officials to say. “Chaotic and violent situations lead to chaotic, violent and tragic outcomes. Everyone needs law and order.”
The report from NBC News said it remains unclear whether the talking points originated with DHS or the White House. A DHS spokesperson told the outlet that the agency “does not comment on alleged leaked documents.”
Rittenhouse faces five felony criminal charges, including first-degree reckless homicide and first-degree intentional homicide, in Wisconsin. He was arrested in his home state of Illinois on the night of the shootings that left Anthony Huber, 26, and Joseph “Jojo” Rosenbaum, 36, dead. The shootings, which also left another person injured, took place during a night of protests following the police shooting of Jacob Blake.
Rittenhouse’s attorneys say their client was acting in self-defense and have been battling to avoid extradition from Illinois to Wisconsin. Rittenhouse is being held in a juvenile facility. Prosecutors have argued that Rittenhouse should be tried as an adult and have asked for his arrest records to be made public.
