Prosecutors are trying to modify Kyle Rittenhouse’s bail deal – the 17-year-old accused of killing two people during protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin last summer – after they said he threw signs of white power and was “serenaded in loudly ‘to the Proud Boys’ anthem in a bar.
On Wednesday, the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office filed a motion to restrict Rittenhouse from owning or drinking alcohol in a bar or restaurant, displaying signs of white power and fraternizing with well-known members of white supremacy groups.
Rittenhouse of Antioch, Illinois, was released from Kenosha County prison on $ 2 million bail in November, money raised mainly by conservatives through a legal defense fund. Rittenhouse’s terms of employment currently do not prevent him from entering a bar, drinking alcohol or making contact with white supremacist militia groups like the Proud Boys.
According to prosecutors, the request came after Rittenhouse was spotted with his mother at a local bar in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, on January 5 – the same day he pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and other crimes related to murdering two protesters and injuring each other.
At Pudgy’s Pub, Rittenhouse was seen wearing a T-shirt with the words “Free as F ***”, while flashing the “OK” sign – a gesture that was co-opted by well-known white supremacist groups, the motion said. On his 90-minute visit to the bar, which was captured by security footage, the teenager was seen drinking alcohol while being serenaded by a group of adult men who sang the Proud Boys anthem, according to the motion.
In the state of Illinois, where Rittenhouse lives, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to own or consume alcohol in a public place, according to the motion. But in Wisconsin, people under the age of 21 can carry and drink alcohol if they are with a parent.
Rittenhouse’s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.
Authorities said Rittenhouse traveled to Wisconsin to protect a car dealership from looting when he opened fire on racial justice protesters who took to the streets after the August 23 shooting at Jacob Blake. Rittenhouse’s lawyers argued that the teenager, praised by right-wing commentators and viewed with sympathy by the Trump administration, acted in self-defense.
The teenager reportedly killed Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26, and injured a third man, Gaige Grosskreutz, who had a firearm.
The court has not yet set a date for considering prosecutors’ request.
Tim Stelloh contributed.