National Guard On Standby For Rittenhouse Verdict: Evers

KENOSHA, WI — About 500 Wisconsin National Guard troops will be on standby near Kenosha when the verdict in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial is announced, Governor Tony Evers announced Friday.

The announcement comes after the defense rested their case on Thursday. Closing arguments are expected to begin Monday and jury deliberations would follow.

"The Kenosha community has been strong, resilient, and has come together through incredibly difficult times these past two years, and that healing is still ongoing," Evers said in a statement. "I urge folks who are otherwise not from the area to please respect the community by reconsidering any plans to travel there and encourage those who might choose to assemble and exercise their First Amendment rights to do so safely and peacefully."

"We stand ready to support our communities during times of need,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsin’s adjutant general. "In close coordination with the governor, we have assembled approximately 500 Soldiers to help keep the Kenosha community safe, should a request from our local partners come in."

Law enforcement in Kenosha County also said they are preparing for the verdict to be announced.

"We recognize that some varying opinions and feelings revolve around the trial that may cause concerns," the Kenosha Police Department and Sheriff's Department said in a news release Thursday. "Both of our departments have dedicated staff working in conjunction with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of our community."

The Wisconsin National Guard was also mobilized to Kenosha in August 2020 following the police shooting of Jacob Blake and ensuing civil unrest. Anthony Huber and Joseph Rosenbaum were shot and killed during those protests.

Rittenhouse was charged with first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree reckless homicide in connection with the shooting deaths of Huber and Rosenbaum, but Rittenhouse said he shot them in self-defense.

On Friday, Kenosha Judge Bruce Schroeder heard arguments for adding lesser charges to the charges Rittenhouse already faces.

Ethan Duran and Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff, contributed to reporting in this article.