A Christian crowdfunding campaign for Kyle Rittenhouse has passed $500,000, according to reports at the end of September 2020. Rittenhouse is the 17 year old from Illinois charged in the fatal Kenosha, Wisconsin shootings that took place during protests in late August.
The fundraiser lives on GiveSendGo, which describes itself as a Christian fundraising site. Complex Media reported that the original goal was $500,000 and that the total had climbed to $524,145. Donors left messages such as “May God be with you” and “You are in our prayers.” Some supporters described him as someone who tried to protect his community.
Rittenhouse was charged with first degree intentional homicide after two people were killed, according to Complex. Other charges include first degree reckless homicide, two counts of first degree recklessly endangering safety, attempted first degree intentional homicide, and possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18. He is accused of traveling to Wisconsin with an AR-15 style rifle. His attorneys have said he acted in self defense, and he is presumed innocent while the case moves through court.
The shootings happened amid unrest that followed the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha.
The size of the fundraiser drew criticism online. Some social media users questioned whether it fit the values of the faith the site promotes and asked why so many people were donating to a defendant in a homicide case. Others defended the donations as support for a young man’s right to a legal defense.
The case is ongoing, and Baller Alert will keep readers posted on any court developments.
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