Kyle Rittenhouse, the controversial figure acquitted of charges related to a 2020 protest shooting in Kenosha, Wisconsin, faced a tumultuous reception during an event at the University of Memphis. Invited to speak on Second Amendment rights and criticize the Black Lives Matter movement by a conservative student group, Turning Point USA, Rittenhouse encountered a challenging atmosphere.
During the event, Rittenhouse engaged in a Q&A session where tensions quickly escalated. When questioned about the CEO of Turning Point USA's controversial statements, including denouncing Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the audience reacted strongly. Rittenhouse's response, stating he was unaware of the comments, was met with boos and demands for a clear answer.
As the audience pressed him further on whether the statements constituted hate speech, Rittenhouse chose not to comment, leading to increased heckling and accusations of deflection. Ultimately, faced with a hostile crowd, Rittenhouse abruptly left the stage, prompting cheers from protesters.
Despite the event being reportedly sold out, with Rittenhouse being a polarizing figure in right-wing circles, the attendance was lower than expected, with only around 50 to 60 people present in the auditorium.
This incident adds to the ongoing controversy surrounding Rittenhouse and his public appearances. His next scheduled speaking engagement at Western Kentucky University is likely to draw further attention and scrutiny.
For more updates and developments on this story, stay tuned for further coverage.
