On Friday, Nov. 19, Kyle Rittenhouse, who shot three men of which two were killed at a protest against police brutality in Kenosha, Wis. last year, was found not guilty on all charges. Acquitting Rittenhouse clearly exposes the flaws in the U.S. justice system, as he deserved a far more severe punishment and would have if the situation looked slightly different.

Rittenhouse faced seven different charges including: first degree intentional homicide, attempted first degree intentional homicide, first degree reckless homicide, underage possession of a firearm, two counts of first degree recklessly endangering safety and failure to comply with an emergency order. The jury deliberated for about 27 hours before acquitting Rittenhouse of all charges. Rittenhouse claimed that the deaths of Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber as well as the injuries of Gaige Brosskreutz were out of acts of self defense. 

Overcome with a pitiful swarm of tears, Rittenhouse sank down in a display of his selfishness after hearing his verdict on Friday. Watching the scene on the news, I was struck with a sense of disgust— not only with Rittenhouse himself but also the entire U.S. justice system. How could someone kill two people and get away with no charges, while innocent people are killed on the streets because of their race?

The irony of the situation is undeniable. Rittenhouse, a white male, shot two men at a protest against police brutality after the police killing of 19-year-old Black man, Jacob Blake. The verdict of the case is only further evidence of the bias that aids white individuals that is ingrained in our criminal justice  system, and anyone that decides to view the situation independent of the racial context is blindly accepting the inequalities in our society.

Rittenhouse was able to get off with the claim of self defense, while time and time again officers kill Black people for no justifiable reason and face little to no consequence or legal action. 

Throughout the entire trial, Rittenhouse was viewed and depicted by his supporters as a victim, despite shooting two men with an AR-15. If he were of a different race, the situation would have been drastically different.

In the days following Rittenhouse’s verdict, people have responded with outrage. Protests have erupted in several cities including Portland, Chicago and New York City. The protest in Portland was deemed a riot by authorities, as participants partook in behavior such as breaking windows and throwing objects.

It is unfathomable that there are a large number of people that deem these protests as violent and inexcusable, while continuing to defend Rittenhouse’s actions of “self defense.” Although violent behavior is never justified, who is any American to judge those displaying frustrations with the case when our legal system lets a killer free? 

Although a definitive setback in the fight for racial equality, the Rittenhouse case has further exposed the imbalances in the U.S. justice system. At best, Rittenhouse should have been found guilty on all seven charges as his actions reflected, and at least charged for his possession of a firearm when underage. Sadly, that was not the case.

When weighed against the numerous killings of innocent Black people by police brutality, there is no argument for the fact that racial inequality plagues every aspect of our society. The protests that have ensued after Rittenhouse was let off free of charge, are an indication that people are not done fighting for change. Now more than ever, we need those that are brave enough to fight back inequality. 

To continue making a difference, it is vital that people continue protesting and raising their voices. There is always a possibility of reexamination of gun laws in place, and therefore the case entirely, if the public continually displays their concern with the verdict. The Rittenhouse case is a disgusting reflection of our legal and justice system, but in the wake of its outcome, we can hopefully use it as fuel to continually fight for better.