A federal judge has allowed a wrongful-death lawsuit to proceed against Kyle Rittenhouse, the teenager accused of killing two people and injuring a third during a protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last summer.
The lawsuit was filed by the father of one of the victims, Anthony Huber, who was fatally shot by Rittenhouse. Huber’s father, John Huber, is seeking damages for the loss of his son’s life and for emotional distress.
The judge’s ruling allows the case to move forward despite Rittenhouse’s attempts to have it dismissed. The judge rejected Rittenhouse’s argument that he was acting in self-defense.
Rittenhouse, who was 17 at the time of the shooting, faces multiple charges, including first-degree intentional homicide, attempted first-degree intentional homicide, and two counts of recklessly endangering safety.
The lawsuit alleges that Rittenhouse was motivated by racial animus and was part of a militia group that was attempting to intimidate protesters. It also claims that Rittenhouse’s actions were part of a conspiracy to deprive Huber of his civil rights.
The case is being closely watched as a test of whether state laws can be used to hold people accountable for violence during protests.
The judge’s ruling is a major victory for Huber’s family and for those seeking justice for the victims of the Kenosha shooting. It remains to be seen whether the case will go to trial or be settled out of court.