KENOSHA, Wis. (Reuters) – Closing arguments that began on Monday capped nearly two weeks of at times tense court proceedings in the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse https://www.reuters.com/world/us/jury-decide-fate-shooter-kyle-rittenhouse-after-closing-arguments-2021-11-15, the 18-year-old charged with murdering two men and wounding another during racial justice protests in the Wisconsin city of Kenosha last year.

The defense and prosecution attorneys for Rittenhouse have two hours each to provide opposing narratives to the jury about Rittenhouse’s actions in a case which has been highly polarizing.

Below are key moments and quotes taken from the prosecution’s closing argument. When the trial resumes, the defense will present its case.

PROSECUTION:

Thomas Binger, Kenosha County Assistant District attorney said to the jury that a teenager had killed two men unarmed and seriously injured another person using an AR-15. This is not a case where he was trying to protect his home and his family. After traveling from Antioch in Illinois and being allowed to stay after the citywide curfew, he killed several people.

“So as we consider the defendant, I ask you to reflect on this case and think about his motivations. Binger stated to the jury, “Was this an instance where he cared deeply about Car Source even though it was unknown to him and he never had any experience with Car Source?” Did he really care about helping people?” He was seen running around the night with his AR-15 and lying about being an EMT. Is that an indication that he really wants to help?

The prosecutor stated that America is divided and it was hard to find common ground. We all agree – I asked you that question two weeks ago – raise your hands if life is more important then property. All of you raised your hands. All of us agreed that nobody’s life matters more than the other. It doesn’t make any difference if someone is a drug dealer. A pastor’s or teacher’s lives are not more important than a teacher’s.

Binger stated that 17-year olds shouldn’t be running around with AR-15s on their streets.

Binger said that Rittenhouse caused Joseph Rosenbaum (36), to raise his rifle, which in turn provoked him into shooting and killing the other two. He told jurors that this was what triggered the entire incident. “If you threaten others you forfeit the right of self-defense.”