Kenosha County Court Commissioner Loren Keating ruled that 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse will stand trial on charges of felony homicide, possession of a dangerous weapon while under the age of 18, and felony attempted homicide.
Authorities said that Rittenhouse traveled from Illinois to Kenosha, Wisconsin, to protect a car dealership during protests following the police shooting of Jacob Blake. During the protest, Rittenhouse opened fire, killing two people and wounding a third. The teen claims he acted in self-defense, and his lawyers have repeatedly asked for the charges against him to be dropped.
Keating said that there is enough evidence to move forward with a trial and told Rittenhouse's legal team that they are free to make the argument of self-defense to a jury.
Rittenhouse's arraignment is scheduled for January 5.
The 17-year-old was released from jail on November 20 after posting a $2 million cash bail, which was raised by conservative figures and groups. He is currently staying in an undisclosed location with his family.
A small crowd of people gathered outside of the courthouse during the hearing holding signs saying "Free Kyle" and calling for the charges against the teen to be dropped.
Photo: Antioch (Ill.) Police Department