After reading accounts of the events that night and hearing some testimony, this case really proves that everyone having a gun leads to debacle scenarios.
I don't think anyone, even Kyle Rittenhouse, went there to actively kill anyone. I see where the people shot in this case thought he could be an active shooter, he certainly fits the profile and was walking around with a weapon in a chaotic situation. I believe it's possible that most of those chasing him wanted to actually disarm him and not kill him. I wouldn't trust the average teen male with a weapon. I can see why the EMT guy that survived the shooting might have, in one instant, pointed his gun at Rittenhouse. I'm guessing he also didn't want to die that night.
In his mind, I can see how he thought those chasing him were dangerous to him.
However, at the end of the day, no one shot at him, no matter what he believed. I don't think he should be found guilty.
I do think Americans should remember what peaceful demonstrations are, on all sides. No one needs to be armed to voice their concerns, anger or distrust about an issue.
The cops need to do their jobs regardless of whether they're being appreciated or not. The work for money, not for praise or appreciation. Their mottos often say "to serve and protect", they don't say "we're here to be appreciated".
Too many guns around situations that are full of emotion is a terrible idea.
I will begin by thanking you for being the most reasonable left leaning person on this topic. That is a good thing. Now a few points:
1) Rosenbaum and Ziminski definitely came there looking for trouble. Ziminski even told cops "I came to cause chaos and fuck shit up." Those are also the two people who ambushed and attacked Kyle so all blame falls on them. Oh, Ziminski also incited the mob to chase and attack Kyle after the first incident where Ziminski fired the first shoots.
(No proof that it was to find attack Rittenhouse)
2) Even ADA Binger showed video of someone, "the unknown shooter" as they called him at trial, fired three rounds at Kyle during the first incident. This is inaddition to Ziminski firing at least one round.
(Even if shots were fired, with the proximity of all these individuals, if they meant to harm him, they could have shot him dead)
3) Grosskreutz is not an EMT. He is an Antifa militant who does "weapons training" for far left communist revutionary groups according to his own social media posts.
(He could have shot him and didn't, end of)
4) I agree peaceful demonstrations are good, I disagree that no felons should ever be disarmed. It is a right and must remain so especially since police are not there to protect you so you have to protect yourself and your family. I would like to see more training on proper handling and use though.
(I didn't say anything about disarming anyone)
5) I also agree cops should do their jobs. Over and over the problem has been Democrat politicians ordering police and D.A.s not to do their jobs when the offenders are left wing but then demanding disproportionate applications of the law for everyone else.
(You're conflating discussion points and responding to things I didn't say)