Jury begins deliberating in Rittenhouse trial

Jurors in the Kyle Rittenhouse murder trial in Wisconsin began deliberations on Tuesday, after closing arguments concluded the previous night.

Prosecutors claimed in closing arguments Monday that Rittenhouse on Aug. 25, 2020, in Kenosha was a "wannabe soldier" who provoked bloodshed by bringing a semi-automatic rifle to the night of protests and rioting, amid the summer of social justice demonstrations.

Rittenhouse, then 17, fatally shot two men and wounded a third.

Rittenhouse's lawyer said his client acted in self-defense after being ambushed by a "crazy person" who he feared would wrest away his gun and use it to kill him, according to the Associated Press.

The arguments concluded two weeks of testimony including the defendant's.

Eighteen jurors have been hearing the case. The 12 who will decide Rittenhouse’s fate and the six who will be designated alternates will be determined by a drawing from a raffle drum, the wire service also reports.

Rittenhouse said he went to Kenosha from his home in Illinois, to protect property from rioters.