James’ remarks came as the 18-year-old prepared to stand trial on several crimes counts after killing two people and wounded another amid protests following the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man.
In connection with the murders of Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26, as well as the wounding of Gaige Grosskreutz, 26, he faces six criminal counts.
On the stand on Wednesday morning, Rittenhouse sobbed as he recalled the events that led to his shooting Rosenbaum, his first victim.
“There were three people right there,” Rittenhouse claimed, recalling being pursued during the protests.
A significantly calmer Rittenhouse recalled how he ran and “defended himself” when the court ordered a recess.
Rittenhouse recalled hearing a gunshot from behind him, which caused him to turn around and find Rosenbaum approaching quickly with his arms outstretched. He also recalls Rosenbaum’s hand being “on the barrel of my rifle.”
The adolescent ‘was an active shooter,’ according to a paramedic shot by Rittenhouse.
The prosecutor claims that the judge in the Rittenhouse trial is being unjust.
In response to a question about what he did when Rosenbaum lunged at him, Rittenhouse stated he shot him.
Rittenhouse claimed he fired four shots at Rosenbaum before attempting to contact local authorities.
Rittenhouse stated, “I didn’t do anything wrong.” “I stood up for myself.”
