Kyle Rittenhouse announced his return to social media Wednesday with news that he married six months ago.
The 22-year-old gun rights advocate shared the announcement on X, posting two photographs with his wife Bella, including one image showing her holding an AR-15.
“I’m back on social media, I’m back in the fight, and i’m here to stay,” Rittenhouse wrote in the post. He described marrying his wife as the best decision of his life.
“For a quick update, 6 months ago I made the best decision of my life and married my best friend. @BellRittenhouse, I couldn’t be happier. I love you beautiful,” he stated in the social media announcement.
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Rittenhouse gained national attention following events in Kenosha, Wisconsin in August 2020. The then-17-year-old traveled to the city with a semi-automatic rifle and medical kit during civil unrest sparked by the police shooting of Jacob Blake.
Blake, who is black, was left paralyzed from the waist down after the police encounter.
The shooting triggered widespread protests and rioting in Kenosha.
On August 25, 2020, Rittenhouse became involved in confrontations that resulted in two deaths and one injury.
Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26, were killed.
Gaige Grosskreutz, 27, was wounded.
Rittenhouse stated his purpose in traveling to Kenosha was to protect businesses during the riots. He brought both the rifle and medical supplies with him.
His legal team argued he acted in self-defense after being confronted and attacked.
Defense attorneys successfully convinced jurors that all three individuals had initiated contact with Rittenhouse.
On November 19, 2021, a jury found Rittenhouse not guilty on all charges.
The verdict cleared him of homicide, attempted homicide and reckless endangerment.
The Illinois native has since become an outspoken advocate for Second Amendment rights.
He has actively opposed various gun control measures proposed at state and federal levels.
Rittenhouse has specifically spoken out against red flag laws. These laws would allow authorities to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed to pose a danger to themselves or others.
In a follow-up post on X, Rittenhouse explained his support for gun rights through the lens of his personal experience. He credited the Second Amendment with his survival and freedom.
“I support the Second Amendment because without it, I might not be here today,” Rittenhouse wrote.
“In 2020, when I was 17, I was put in a situation where violent criminals attacked me, struck me in the head multiple times, and one even pointed a gun at my face.”
He continued by emphasizing his belief that he acted out of necessity rather than heroism. “I’m no hero. I had no choice but to defend my own life in that moment. I’m not in prison — and I’m alive — because the Founders recognized our God-given right to self-defense, and the jury recognized that simple fact.”
Rittenhouse concluded his message with a call to action for Second Amendment supporters.
“If you believe we must defend the Second Amendment with everything we’ve got, follow me,” he wrote.
