Please clarify.
Seriously: the prosecutor just ran thru the events of the first shooting, and either presented it as self-defense outright or opened doors wide open for the defense to exhaustively tear down Kyle’s first attacker.
Incredible.
Defense lawyer could just about say “yes, the prosecutor is exactly right, and I could rest my case as a solid defense right there. Let me fill in a few gaps that aren’t already made clear...”.
Prosecutor enumerates & acknowledges:
- The rifle was purchased and stored in-state on Kyle’s behalf (eviscerated the “he brought it across state lines” trope), possessed & used only in presence of actual purchaser.
- Kyle was present to defend property he had an interest in, and was observed performing other socially constructive actions (offering aid, etc).
- Kyle was involved in the “flaming dumpster” incident (demonstrably helpful).
- Kyle ran toward Rosenbaum, as shown by FBI overhead surveillance (which couples with the ground video showing Kyle _running_past_ Rosenbaum, with Rosenbaum immediately attacking & pursuing Kyle).
- Kyle turns to see Rosenbaum, shirtless and screaming threats with a flaming city as backdrop, closing fast. Kyle attempts to deter Rittenhouse, who persists.
- Surprise gunshot occurs within 30 feet.
- All considered, Kyle fires 4 shots (sure seems justified at this point).
- Last shot enters Rosenbaum’s back. (This is the only shot which can be questioned, fitting well within body mechanics of a falling perp and the shooter firing properly until threat ends.)
Incredible opening.