Echoing President Trump’s sympathetic comments about Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old Trump supporter accused of killing two Kenosha, Wis., protesters and wounding a third, internal Department of Homeland Security documents coached federal law enforcement officials to make public comments commending Rittenhouse for taking up arms “to help defend small business owners,” NBC reports. The talking points also say, “Kyle was seen being chased and attacked by rioters. … Subsequent video has emerged reportedly showing that there were ‘multiple gunmen’ involved, which would lend more credence to the self-defense claims.”
It is unclear whether any of the talking points originated at the White House or within Homeland Security’s own press office. Three former Homeland Security officials, two of whom worked for Republican administrations, said it was unusual for law enforcement officials to be instructed to weigh in on a case involving a particular group or individual before investigations had concluded. “It is as unprecedented as it is wrong,” said Peter Boogaard, who was a spokesperson for Homeland Security during the Obama administration. Trump has expressed sympathy for Rittenhouse, saying it appeared that he was “trying to get away from them,” referring to the protesters he is accused of having fatally shot.