Kyle Rittenhouse brings speaking tour to Clemson University, advocates for campus carry

Clemson, SC – April 26, 2024

Kyle Rittenhouse, the 21-year-old acquitted of all charges in the Kenosha shooting incident, brought his national college speaking tour to Clemson University on April 25, 2024. Advocating for campus carry, Rittenhouse faced a vocal response from some student activists as he shared his perspective and experiences.

Rittenhouse’s Background

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.

Advocating for Campus Carry

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.

Rittenhouse’s Testimony

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.

Controversial Q&A Session

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.

Reaction and Attendance

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.

University Response

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.

Final Thoughts

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.