January 1, Kenosha braces for verdict as Rittenhouse jury deliberates

The 12-member jury in the murder trial of Kyle Rittenhouse began its deliberations, and Kenosha community members are bracing themselves for the possible pandemonium that the verdict may bring.

As the jury deliberated on Tuesday, dozens of protestors stood outside the courthouse. One woman repeatedly called Rittenhouse supporters “white supremacists.” Another person erected a small cardboard cutout of Rittenhouse wearing a shirt that read “Konvict Killer Kyle.”

Meanwhile, locals are preparing themselves for impending unrest in the wake of the verdict.

“There’ll be more society disruption, upset, there will probably be some more demonstrations,” one woman told Fox News, speaking on the possibility of Rittenhouse’s acquittal.

“I pray that people won’t come in from other states and do more damage,” said Anne Benson, owner of Oliver’s Bakery. “I hope that it won’t come to the boards on the window.”

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) implored the public to exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully.

“Kenoshans are strong, resilient, and have worked hard to heal and rebuild together over the past year. Any efforts to sow division and hinder that healing are unwelcome in Kenosha and Wisconsin,” Evers tweeted. “Regardless of the outcome in this case, I urge peace in Kenosha and across our state.”

Please respect the Kenosha community and their efforts to come together. I ask all those who choose to assemble and exercise their First Amendment rights in every community to do so safely and peacefully.

— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) November 16, 2021

Last week, Evers announced that 500 members of the National Guard are ready to deploy to Kenosha if needed. Rittenhouse, 18, faces life in prison if convicted.

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Jury begins deliberating at Kyle Rittenhouse murder trial