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Share to FacebookShare to TwitterShare to LinkedinTopline Kyle Rittenhouse, the teenager charged with killing two people and wounding a third during racial justice unrest in Wisconsin last year, is continuing to rack up massive amounts of donations ahead of his November trial, according to a legal defense fund associated with his family which said Monday it has raised nearly $500,000 in the past three months.

Kyle Rittenhouse looks at as he listens to defense attorney John Pierce during an extradition … [+] hearing in Lake County court Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, in Waukegan, Ill.

ASSOCIATED PRESS Key Facts A post on @freekyleusa, a social media account linked to the defense fund run by the teen’s mother, Wendy Rittenhouse, says the two different fundraising entities she coordinates have pulled in $464,111 since March 1. 

This nearly half a million dollar sum came through FreeKyleUSA, the main fundraising effort launched by Rittenhouse’s mother early on in his legal battle, and The Milo Fund, a newer donations vehicle “formed to receive donations and pay legal expenses,” according to the Twitter post.

The fund says it has spent over $360,000 on “case-related expenses” over the past three months, spanning attorneys fees, investigators, legal consultants, subject matter, experts and security. 

Crucial Quote  “Kyle Rittenhouse and Wendy want to thank everyone for your support and assistance over the past ten months,” read a separate post from the @freekyleusa account Monday morning. “Your assistance has been critical.” 

Key Background  Rittenhouse is facing homicide charges and a misdemeanor charge of underage firearm possession for shooting two people and injuring a third during unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin last August following the non-fatal police shooting of Jacob Blake. Rittenhouse’s case has become a rallying point for pro-gun groups and conservative pundits who argue the 17-year-old acted in self defense. They helped generate the $2 million needed for Rittenhouse’s bail in November and have continued to syphon large amounts of money to different Rittenhouse-related fundraising efforts. 

What To Watch For  Rittenhouse’s trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 1. It was originally scheduled for March 29, but was delayed after both sides told the judge they needed more time to prepare. 

Further Reading “Virginia Cop Fired After Donating $25 To Kyle Rittenhouse Defense With Note: ‘You’ve Done Nothing Wrong’” (Forbes)

“Online Vendors Refuse To Sell Kenosha Shooter’s ‘Free Kyle’ Merchandise” (Forbes)

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