KENOSHA, Wis.-Prosecutors asked a judge Wednesday, Feb. 3 for a new arrest warrant for Kyle Rittenhouse -- the Illinois teen charged with shooting three people, killing two of them, during an anti-police protest in Wisconsin after he apparently violated his bond conditions.
The Kenosha County District Attorney's Office said it doesn't know where Rittenhouse is -- and that's a bond violation. The 18-year-old's legal team filed a response, saying he and his family are at a "Safe House" due to threats.
Rittenhouse posted $2 million bond in November, listing his address as his family home in Antioch, Illinois. When detectives went to that address on Feb. 2, court documents show, it was found he has not lived there for months.
Kenosha County Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger said the address discrepancies is serious as he wrote in the motion: "rarely does our community see accused murderers roaming about freely."
Rittenhouse, who was 17 at the time of the shootings, is charged with multiple counts, including homicide, in connection with the protests in August. Prosecutors allege he had responded to a militia's call to protect businesses in Kenosha and opened fire on three men, killing Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber and wounding Gaige Grosskreutz. Rittenhouse has maintained he acted in self-defense.
Rittenhouse surrendered to police the day after the shootings but was released after he posted a $2 million bond. Conservative groups covered the expense.
Daniel Myers
Binger went on to write: "It is important to note that the $2 million came from a dubious Internet fundraising campaign, and the defendant and his family did not post any money toward that bond. As a result, the defendant is free from custody with minimal incentive to comply with his bond conditions."
The prosecutors' motion asks the court to increase Rittenhouse's bond by $200,000. Rittenhouse's legal team argues the move was all about safety and asked the district attorney to keep the "Safe House" address private. The court filing includes an email from Binger, responding in part: "Unless you can provide me with a specific, tangible and imminent threat (or threats) that would justify secrecy in this case, I am not willing to agree to redact your client's address from the public record.
Josiah Kelly
In addition to the request to increase Rittenhouse's bond, the motion asks the court to order Rittenhouse to update his address in writing with the clerk of court immediately.
The judge, Bruce Schroeder, will nowhave to rule on both parties' motions: the district attorney's motion to increase bond, and the defense's motion to keep Rittenhouse's address private.
A woman who answered the phone at the office of Rittenhouse's attorney, Mark Reynolds, had no comment Wednesday.
The court document filed on Wednesday, Feb. 3 reads inpart:
"It is important to note that the $2 million came from a dubious Internet fundraising campaign, and the defendant and his family did not post any money toward that bond. As a result, the defendant is free from custody with minimal incentive to comply with his bond conditions. He posted no money so he has no financial stake in the bond. He is already facing the most serious possible criminal charges and life in prison, so in comparison, potential future criminal penalties are insignificant.Indeed, the defendant has already demonstrated his carefree attitude by going to a bar immediately after his arraignment on January 5, 2021 and drinking 3 beers in the company of known "Proud Boys" while flashing white supremacist signs and wearing a 'Free as (expletive)'shirt."
"Rarely does our community see accused murderers roaming about freely. As a result, the defendant’s bond requires him to update the Court in writing within 48 hours of any change of address or telephone number."
Blake Ross
Nothing says innocent like jumping bail and caught conspiring with a group that was just declared a terrorist organization by a major US ally. Where's the bounty hunters to take him?
Luke Johnson
>Rittenhouse's legal team argues the move was all about safety A potentially valid argument ... except, they neede to negotiate a change in residence several months ago. They didn't. Bond violation. Full confiscation of the full bond is called for, as per law and precedent. No get out of jail free card due to "white." New residence: jail cell until the trial is finished (and probably afterward). As per law and precedent.
Let us now observe what the judge does. His name and full record needs to be the subject of detailed reporting.
John Green
Nothing says legitimate justice system like endless process crimes for political prisoners.
Leo Stewart
Fortunately republicans know what to do with these terrorists. Off to GITMO with him.
Joseph Bennett
>Kyle > "process criminal" Hey, that's pretty clever. I know someone else who needs that sort of legal cleverness on his team. Why don't (You) give drumpf a call? I hear tell he just pocketed over $250 million in free cash from suckers to fund his legal defense. I'm sure you can haul up a kneeling mat at the feeding trough. Just get there before Rudy. But, probably not a huge problem. With $250 million in free cash, I'm certain (You) can slurp up some of the gravy.
Jacob Rivera
>Turned himself in at a police station >Paid bail >...is a flight risk DA is just angry that he posted bail, he wasn't supposed to do that and instead was to be isolated and tortured in jail to force a guilty plea.
