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New Haven, CT – Friday, the Center for Policing Equity released the following statement on the acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse:
“Today’s acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse denies even the most basic level of accountability to those who suffered deadly violence in Kenosha, Wisconsin in August 2020. The officer who shot Jacob Blake seven times, paralyzing him for life, has not been held accountable.
“Rittenhouse, who traveled across state lines to Kenosha to bring even more violence to a community in the midst of a protest against it, has not been held accountable. In this way, systems that have precipitated violence against Black people in Kenosha have also still not been held accountable.
“Kenosha residents — and all communities — deserve systems of public safety designed to keep them from harm. Lethal force must be a last resort, not an automatic response to each perceived threat.
“Accountability for violence is a prerequisite for building those systems.
“Our thoughts are with the families of Anthony Huber, Joseph Rosenbaum, Gaige Grosskreutz, as well as Jacob Blake. We stand with communities around the country who continue to exercise their rights to call for public safety systems that are equitable and fair.
About Center for Policing Equity:
As a research and action organization, Center for Policing Equity (CPE) produces analyses identifying and reducing the causes of racial disparities in law enforcement. Using evidence-based approaches to social justice, we use data to create levers for social, cultural and policy change. Center for Policing Equity also holds a 501(c)3 status.
