Daily News Lesson

SHOW ALL

Nov. 19, 2021, 1:42 p.m.

BREAKING: Kyle Rittenhouse found not guilty on all counts for killings during protest

Kyle Rittenhouse's trial, in Kenosha, Wisconsin
Kyle Rittenhouse looks over to his attorneys as the jury is dismissed for the day during his trial at the Kenosha County Courthouse in Kenosha, U.S., November 18, 2021. Sean Krajacic/Pool via REUTERS
Kyle Rittenhouse looks over to his attorneys as the jury is dismissed for the day during his trial at the Kenosha County Courthouse in Kenosha, U.S., November 18, 2021. Sean Krajacic/Pool via REUTERS

Summary

This is a breaking story. Teachers and students can read about the verdict here . Live analysis of the verdict is here . On the afternoon of Friday, November 19, a jury in Kenosha, Wisconsin returned a verdict of not guilty on all counts in the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse, who shot three people, killing two, in the summer of 2020. The shootings took place during a protest against police violence including the police shooting of a Kenosha man. At the time of the protest, Rittenhouse was 17 years old and had crossed into Wisconsin from a nearby community in Illinois to face off against protesters.

Five Facts

  • Who is Kyle Rittenhouse?
  • When and Where did he shoot three people, killing two, and what was happening at the time?
  • What was Rittenhouse's defense?
  • Why did prosecutors argue that Rittenhouse didn't meet the standards of self defense?
  • How long did it take the jury to deliberate on the verdict?

Focus Questions

Discuss the verdict. Do you think the outcome was fair based on Wisconsin law, as described in the article above? Why or why not? What impact do you think this verdict might have on how U.S. citizens view self defense laws, open carry of arms and protest?

For More

See this lesson on another case in the national spotlight that hinges on state self defense statutes. What are similarities and differences in the Rittenhouse case and the case of the men who killed Ahmaud Arbery?
Educators: To receive the Daily News Lesson in your inbox each morning, sign up here .

Recent Daily News Lessons

US President Donald Trump at America.gov launch

Daily News Lesson

Should AI companies be allowed to 'self-regulate'?

Discuss the reasons many experts are calling for independent review of AI companies

health

Daily News Lesson

Monitoring the Midterms: Health care costs a major concern for voters ahead of midterms

Learn about the rise in healthcare costs and thousands losing their coverage

dance-1024x576

Daily News Lesson

Syrian dancer reflects on escaping ISIS and finding freedom through ballet

Ahmad Joudeh is a ballet dancer of unusual grace and grit. His story is one of perseverance and unwavering dedication to his passion.

treasure-1024x576

Daily News Lesson

Restored Greek Byzantine palace offers blueprint for preserving cultural heritage

The Greek culture ministry has opened a stunning, restored palace from the Byzantine era in the 1300s.

SUPPORTED BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:

PBS News Hour Classroom

Copyright © 2025 News Hour Production LLC. All Rights Reserved

Illustrations by Annamaria Ward