President Joe Biden is standing behind a jury’s decision to acquit Kyle Rittenhouse on all charges.
Moments after the verdict was read, reporters caught up with the president and asked about his thoughts on the judgment. “I stand by what the jury has concluded,” Biden said on Friday (Nov. 19). “The jury system works and we have to abide by it.”
The White House later released a more complete statement from Biden, who admitted that he was “angry and concerned” like a lot of Americans about Rittenhouse being acquitted. “I ran on a promise to bring Americans together, because I believe that what unites us is far greater than what divides us,” he said.
“I know that we’re not going to heal our country’s wounds overnight, but I remain steadfast in my commitment to do everything in my power to ensure that every American is treated equally, with fairness and dignity, under the law.”
Biden also called for people to peacefully protest, stating that “violence and destruction of property have no place in our democracy.”
“The White House and Federal authorities have been in contact with Governor Evers’ office to prepare for any outcome in this case, and I have spoken with the Governor this afternoon and offered support and any assistance needed to ensure public safety,” the president concluded.
On Friday, Rittenhouse was found not guilty on multiple charges, including first-degree reckless homicide, first-degree reckless endangerment, first-degree intentional homicide and attempted first-degree attempted homicide.
The parents of Anthony Huber, one of the men who was shot and killed by Rittenhouse, said they are “heartbroken and angry” by the jury’s decision. “Today’s verdict means there is no accountability for the person who murdered our son,” John Huber and Karen Bloom said in a statement. “It sends the unacceptable message that armed civilians can show up in any town, incite violence, and then use the danger they have created to justify shooting people in the street.”
Check out a clip of Pres. Biden’s interview below.