Kyle Rittenhouse, the young man acquitted on murder charges in November 2021 in a Kenosha, Wisconsin, court is again in the spotlight. This time, it’s a civil lawsuit filed by the estate of Joseph Rosenbaum, a convicted child molester with a tumultuous history, who perished after attacking Rittenhouse during a riot in August 2020.
As reported by Texas Scorecard, the suit targets not just Rittenhouse but also local sheriff’s departments, Kenosha officials, the City of Kenosha, the City of West Allis, and other counties. The Rosenbaum estate demands “compensatory and punitive damages” for what they claim was the “wrongful death” of Rosenbaum.
The case raises several questions about self-defense, the Second Amendment, and how far people can go to protect themselves. In this new legal battle, Rittenhouse, now living in Texas, faces yet another attempt to paint him as a villain despite being acquitted by a jury.
The lawsuit attempts to rewrite the narrative around Rosenbaum. Despite footage and witness testimony that showed him pursuing and trying to disarm Rittenhouse, the Rosenbaum estate portrays him as a peaceful protester who “was not a danger to himself or others.”
Rittenhouse’s post-acquittal experience resonates with the challenges people face when responsibly exercising their Second Amendment rights. In a conversation with Texas Scorecard, Rittenhouse lamented, “These lawsuits are making it harder and harder for me to move on with my life. No one should have to continue to defend the fact that they acted in self-defense.”
I’m being sued again for defending my life. https://t.co/6CrN40Y6tB
— Kyle Rittenhouse (@ThisIsKyleR) August 25, 2023
The young man is right. Our system was designed to protect the innocent and uphold citizens’ rights, such as the right to bear arms and defend oneself. Yet, despite being found not guilty, Rittenhouse still finds himself entrapped in a web of legal and public challenges. On X, formerly known as Twitter, Rittenhouse expressed his dismay, stating, “I’m being sued again for defending my life.”
Moreover, this lawsuit reflects the growing trend of using the legal system as a weapon to achieve political or ideological victories. By naming multiple defendants, including various local authorities, the Rosenbaum estate seeks to challenge Rittenhouse’s actions and put a dent in the system that acquitted him.
Joseph Rosenbaum had a life marked by violent crime and instability. Yet, his estate’s lawsuit attempts to depict him as a victim of a law-abiding citizen who was protecting himself. If such narratives gain traction, it could have long-term implications for individual rights and self-defense in America.
