OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Kyle Rittenhouse, who was acquitted as a teen in 2021 of murder during a riot in Wisconsin after killing and wounding three people who attacked him, set off a firestorm of criticism this week when he came out publicly against former President Donald Trump.
On Thursday, Rittenhouse posted a short video claiming he could not vote for Trump over his stance on some gun laws and would instead write in Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) this fall.
WATCH:
Kyle Rittenhouse took the support of MAGA and Donald Trump but now is completely turning on him to “write in” a candidate in 2024.
After all the movement did for him?
Absolutely disgusted with this kid. pic.twitter.com/ITNLN7OwwL
— Joey Mannarino (@JoeyMannarinoUS) August 2, 2024
But less than 12 hours later — after receiving a huge amount of backlash on social media, during which many users pointed out that Trump and his supporters defended the teen during his darkest hours — Rittenhouse had a change of heart.
“Over the past 12 hours, I’ve had a series of productive conversations with members of the Trump’s team and I am confident he will be the strong ally gun owners need to defend our Second Amendment rights. My comments made last night were ill-informed and unproductive. I’m 100% behind Donald Trump and encourage every gun owner to join me in helping send him back to the White House,” he subsequently posted on the X platform.
Over the past 12 hours, I’ve had a series of productive conversations with members of the Trump’s team and I am confident he will be the strong ally gun owners need to defend our Second Amendment rights.
My comments made last night were ill-informed and unproductive. I’m 100%…
— Kyle Rittenhouse (@ThisIsKyleR) August 2, 2024
Rittenhouse gained national attention after being acquitted of shooting two men during the George Floyd-inspired riots in August 2020. The jury ruled that his actions were a justified case of self-defense. Since then, Rittenhouse has emerged as a prominent advocate for gun rights. His recent decision not to support Trump in the general election was reportedly influenced by his perception of the former president’s “weak” stance on the Second Amendment.
The reactions to Rittenhouse’s mea culpa were mixed but many were positive.
“Glad you came to your senses. Trump 2024. A vote for ANYONE else is a vote for gun-grabbing Kamala. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you,” one user said on social media. “Bro didn’t even make it 12 hours lol,” another stated on X. “Awesome to see man. The people that got nasty and attacked rather than offering mere disagreement should not be forgotten,” someone else replied.
This is what a man does when he owns a mistake.
Good move, young man. Godspeed.
— USA Features Media (@UsaFeatures) August 3, 2024
I was harder on you than anyone – but I can’t hold a grudge when a man apologizes.
Just remember, when it was political poison to take your side, Trump and MAGA was there for you during your lowest point.
— Catturd ™ (@catturd2) August 2, 2024
I was harder on you than anyone – but I can’t hold a grudge when a man apologizes.
Just remember, when it was political poison to take your side, Trump and MAGA was there for you during your lowest point.
— Catturd ™ (@catturd2) August 2, 2024
It’s OK to disagree with Trump.
But we have to think big.
We have to win this election.
We can have policy debates all day, so long as the general consensus is that we need to save this country.
— Eric Matheny 🎙️ (@ericmmatheny) August 2, 2024
Glad you woke up and changed your mind
MAGA is the only way we save America
— Marjorie Taylor Greene Press Release (Parody) (@MTGrepp) August 2, 2024
