ANTIOCH, ILLINOIS: Kyle Rittenhouse became a household name after fatally shooting two people and wounding a third during fiery protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 2020.
His subsequent murder trial and eventual acquittal made him a polarizing figure in the country's debates over issues like guns, protests, and self-defense laws. Now, about two years later, Rittenhouse's lawyer has revealed that the controversial figure has lost all his money and is struggling to get by, as per 'The Independent'.
According to varying reports, Rittenhouse's net worth is estimated to be at around $50,000. However, it is important to note that this figure hasn't been independently verified.
Kyle Rittenhouse's lawyer reveals he is struggling financially
Rittenhouse, who was acquitted in 2021 on murder charges related to fatal shootings during the 2020 protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, has lost all his money, according to his attorney.
Rittenhouse shot three men, killing two, with an AR-15-style rifle on August 25, 2020 during unrest sparked by the police shooting of Jacob Blake.
He claimed he acted in self-defense after being attacked, while prosecutors portrayed him as an armed vigilante looking for trouble. His trial and acquittal on homicide charges became a flashpoint in debates over guns, protests, and self-defense laws.
In the time since his acquittal, Rittenhouse has established himself as a hero on the right and a villain on the left. He has made appearances on conservative media, announced a book deal, advocated for gun rights, and started a foundation to defend the Second Amendment.
Despite his fame and infamy, lawyer Mark Richards told Court TV this week that Rittenhouse has gone broke. "He's living, I don't want to say paycheck to paycheck, but he's living to support himself," Richards said. "Whatever money he did get is gone."
Kyle Rittenhouse still faces potential financial liability
While Rittenhouse may be broke, he still faces potential financial liability from civil lawsuits filed by relatives of the two men he killed.
John Huber, father of 26-year-old Anthony Huber, one of the shooting victims, filed a federal lawsuit in August 2021, accusing Rittenhouse and Kenosha officials of violating his son's civil rights. Rittenhouse has raised $250,000 for his legal defense fund to fight the lawsuit.
In August 2022, the estate of 36-year-old Joseph Rosenbaum, the other man killed, also filed a wrongful death suit seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.
The outcome of the lawsuits could determine whether Rittenhouse ends up owing substantial sums to the victims' families in the years ahead. But for now, his lawyer says, the 2021 acquittal has not brought him riches.
Internet reacts to news that Kyle Rittenhouse is now broke
The shootings in Kenosha grew out of protests over the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man who was left paralyzed after being shot seven times in the back. Rittenhouse, who was 17 at the time, said he traveled to Kenosha to protect private property and provide medical aid.
But prosecutors said he provoked confrontations with an AR-15-style rifle slung over his shoulder. In addition to the two men he killed, Rittenhouse seriously wounded protester Gaige Grosskreutz, who survived.
The Internet had plenty to say about the news that Rittenhouse has lost all his money since being acquitted in 2021. Reactions tended to split along familiar partisan lines.
"Kyle Rittenhouse is broke. Do you feel sorry for him? I sure don't," wrote one X user, while another said, "Seems like Kyle Rittenhouse needs to pull himself up by his bootstraps."
Plenty of comments reveled in Rittenhouse's misfortune. "Hey, I just found out that Kyle Rittenhouse has gone completely broke according to his lawyer, so that will be my gravy for today. Be thankful for the small things," one person wrote.
"Kyle Rittenhouse BROKE = Karma I'm here for all of it who agrees?" commented another.
One user stated bluntly, "Kyle Rittenhouse is now broke. He can go live under a bridge."
