Kyle Rittenhouse made headlines in August 2020 when, at the age of 17, he traveled armed with an AR-style semiautomatic rifle to a police brutality protest in Kenosha, Wisc. After firing at three people, resulting in two deaths and one injury, Rittenhouse faced six charges including homicide. However, he was later acquitted on all charges after a highly publicized trial.
Invited by Clemson’s chapter of Turning Point USA, a conservative grassroots organization, Rittenhouse’s speech at the Strom Thurmond Institute drew mixed reactions. Advocating for campus carry, he questioned why campuses were excluded from South Carolina’s new open carry law, emphasizing the need for students to protect themselves and avoid living in fear.
During the event, Rittenhouse shared a detailed account of the events leading up to the night of August 25, from receiving a phone call prompting his presence in Kenosha to the moment he fired his weapon. He asserted that he acted in self-defense and expressed no remorse for his actions, maintaining that he would have died otherwise.
The event took a contentious turn during the Q&A session, with attendees questioning Rittenhouse about his actions, regrets, and transition to a political speaker. Despite facing boos, heckles, and laughter from the audience, Rittenhouse stood by his actions and deflected criticism with confidence.
While some attendees supported Rittenhouse’s right to self-defense, others questioned his choices and the need for carrying a weapon to that extent. Approximately 150 people attended the event, with some expressing solidarity with Rittenhouse’s ordeal and others criticizing his actions.
Several protestors were escorted out of the event for disrupting the proceedings, with Chief Greg Mullen of the Clemson University Police indicating that they would be referred to the student conduct board. Despite the heated exchanges, the event provided a platform for diverse viewpoints on the controversial topic.
Rittenhouse’s speaking tour at Clemson University sparked debate and reflection on the right to self-defense, the implications of carrying firearms on campus, and the broader issues of gun control and safety. The event underscored the complexities and divisions surrounding Rittenhouse’s case and the broader societal implications it represents.
Airplane Makes Emergency Landing at Myrtle Beach Airport After Door Falls Off, FAA Says Myrtle…
Aircraft Door Detaches, Plunges Near Residential Area in Myrtle Beach On Tuesday, residents in Myrtle…
Plane Door Falls Mid-Flight, Forcing Emergency Landing in South Carolina In a startling aviation incident,…
21 Juveniles Charged With Making School Threats in South Carolina Amid mounting concerns over the…
Uncensored America to Sue University of South Carolina Over Funding Denial Story Summary Sean Semanko…
Teenager Goes Missing in Simpsonville, South Carolina Greenville, S.C. - The community of Simpsonville is…