Now that he has been acquitted, it is important to analyze the narrative about Kyle Rittenhouse traveling to Kenosha, Wisconsin, to protect a car dealership from being vandalized. Many leftist politicians and pundits have categorized Rittenhouse as a vigilante for his actions; the same people have declared how vigilantism is criminal and should not be tolerated. Yet, these very same people change their standards when it is done under the banners of Black Lives Matter and antifa. These vigilantes receive a different narrative — portrayed as heroic and fighting back against injustice.

Whether or not one approves of Rittenhouse’s actions, he was doing what he believed to be right. However, the same standards should apply to those BLM and antifa rioters. Rittenhouse shouldn’t be demonized while many on the Left celebrate those of BLM and antifa essentially as freedom fighters. Democrats weaponize the law and public opinion against those that run counter to their ideologies. They condemn Rittenhouse as a vigilante, but they love vigilantism when they are BLM or antifa members.