WC I confess that I started watching prepared to contest at least part of the presentation. Massad presented a concise, balanced perspective on the Kyle Rittenhouse trial. The only things I would emphasize differently are that Kyle worked in Kenosha, his father and grandmother lived in Kenosha, and the Illinois/Wisconsin border is something like 1-1/2 miles from Kyle’s home. The attack media kept repeating the “he crossed state lines” crap over and over, so it’s important to get those facts out. I thought Rittenhouse had exercised amazing self control during the attacks on him, but Massad made an excellent point - Kyle stopped shooting the instant the threat to himself ceased every time. Even if it didn’t help him in the trial, that is the right thing to do. I hadn’t really thought as much about knowing when to stop shooting, but it is so important as Massad points out. Finally, Massad addressed the troubling issue for me in this whole case in a very reasonable way. Should Kyle have put himself in harms way while carrying an AR-15? No - in my opinion. His motives were all good AFAICT; however, he did not need to be there. I am very glad that he was not seriously injured himself, and even happier that the jury refused to convict him in this clearly politically motivated trial. But it was a situation a 17-year old should have avoided.
Craziest thing about the trial was that Binger said he would not have prosecuted the rioters if they had killed Kyle. It’s beyond me how anyone can remain employed after publicly refusing to perform duties of their position.
The police could learn that lesson; in too many police shootings the cops will mag-dump, which greatly increases the chance of someone other than the armed perp getting hit, as happened with the nurse in Louisville who was killed when her idiot boyfriend fired one shot, and the cops replied with over 20 shots.
@@gregb6469 That is because there is cases where people who have been shot a dozen or more times still manage to run, get into vehicles and start driving. Adrenaline can make the body do incredible things beyond normal. Police are trained to "terminate the threat" immediately and that unfortunately means end their life to save your own and others. Also when you are in that state, you cannot pause to think about anything because milliseconds matter. It is easy to sit here and think about it because we are not involved and have no clue what it is like under that condition, of life or death. And, not all bullets are going to hit the target in the right spot, center of mass, so the more shots the greater likelihood to end the threat. This sadly can lead to innocent bystanders getting hit or killed like you mention, but it is a necessary measure to combat evil. I hope that made sense. I agree it sucks, but I also sympathize with the police putting their lives in basically war zones, for the better of society.
@@leadgindairy3709 Just like Binger seemed to think Kyle could have paused to consider the result of his first shot at Rosenbaum. It was a ludicrous thing for Binger to try and insinuate that Kyle had heaps of time, when the defense made it clear that Kyles first defensive, was four shots fired in less than a second.
@@leadgindairy3709 -- No cop should ever go into panic mode when facing a perp. They MUST be taught to fire one or two shots, then stop to see what effect their shots are having. In most cases the perp will either have been hit and have gone down, be trying to surrender, or be fleeing. In almost no cases is a spray-and-pray mag dump ever justified.
I'm thinking, if knowing when to start shooting saves my life, then it might be ever so slightly more important to me than knowing when to stop. Just a thought.
It absolutely floored me when the prosecutor seized on the use of FMJ ammo as evidence of wanton recklessness. First they tell us that the use of hollow-point bullets is sinister... now we can't use FMJ either? Sorry, but nobody loads 5.56 ammo with Nerf dart tips.
I think he was trying to imply that the .223 was a hollow point, which it is not. And that hollow points are exploding rounds, which they are not. The judge derailed that train. In fact, if he’d gone farther into it, he may have found that the Glock that Grosskreutz aimed at Kyle was loaded with hollow points, which is the right carry round for a pistol anyway.
No matter what he had in it, it would have been "the worst kind", because they lie. I have actually heard a defense att. say not to load your carry guns with "Zombie Killer" rounds or put "make my day" grips on them either. Anything that makes you look like you want to shoot, will be amplified to make you look crazy. Just like you really don't want cute signs talking about how you shoot intruders on your front door.
From what I've seen he wasn't the aggressor at any point. You could argue maybe he shouldn't have been there probably shouldn't in my opinion. But when you're there and you're being attacked you have a right to defend yourself! I'll never disagree with that! A lot of people end up in places they probably shouldn't be doesn't mean you can't defend your life! Especially when you're being attacked!
@@bobbob-vi4jx given the circumstances he was in I think I can buy that our justice system can not, and probably should not, convict him of murder. but, he's on record as viewing those protesters very negatively to the point of believing some of them deserve to die. he went out there that night not perhaps with the intent to kill, but with an expectation that he might need to kill (or perhaps more like: "get to" kill). at a bare minimum, he deliberately put himself in a position where he would be forced to defend himself with lethal force and then he defended himself with lethal force. every action he took before he killed, and after, indicates that he's a menace to society in that he views people of certain political views to be expendable or worthy of state-sanctioned murder. and, that he will happily carry out those murders if given the chance - hopefully he never actually gets to become a cop I hope the civil actions against him, and his reputation, render him destitute for life and selling right-wing coffee for a living as the only job he can get. it would be more than he deserves. sadly I probably hope for too much I also think it's instructive to compare and contrast the treatment of rittenhouse by the state, with the treatment of michael reinoehl who also defended himself as rittenhouse did, but instead of becoming a cause celebre for the right he was the victim of an extrajudicial murder at the hands of the state
I was just a kid in the early 1970s when I first picked up my brother in laws books that you wrote. Little did we both know 45 years later I'd be still a fan of yours. Thank u Sir for helping to shape my life. Your a National Treasure!!!!
I've read and heard articles by Ayoob since the 1980s. Combat Handguns, American Handgunner. Ayoob had LFI for years. He trained 1000s of police, service members, ccw users.
In my 30 year police career, I probably learned at least 75% of my "Use of force" report writing skills from reading Mr. Ayoob's books and listening to his lectures, and nearly 100% of my ability regarding how to clearly articulate the justification for a proper use of force in court and during Internal Affairs interviews. Mr. Ayoob, although I have never had the honor of meeting you in person, I cannot thank you enough
I too appreciate Mr Ayoob’s clear explanation of self defense. My curious question to you, as a 30 year experienced police officer is how would you of handled seeing a person walking toward you with a semi auto rifle during a riot?
@@Ostrich101R Action would depend on the context. Taking cover would be the first move regardless. Then evaluate: Is the person walking toward me with the rifle approaching in an attack posture, a defense posture? Is he yelling aggressively or offering help? am I under fire? Does the person with the rifle respond to and/or cooperate with any verbal or other directions I might give? There's not one good answer to your general question. If your question is; Does a police officer treat armed citizens like criminals? Answer: No, it depends on the circumstances and context. Best advice, if you are armed, stay inside and let the criminals come to you then repel them on your own terms and home grounds. Let the cops handle the outside.
@@anusmcgee4150 Mr. McGee, I always appreciate the sentiment you expressed but no thanks are necessary. I considered it a privilege to serve the city where I worked and I believe it is I who owe thanks to the good people who built a community so worthy of protecting; giving meaning and importance against some of the dangers of the job. It makes it easier to live with this plate in my head. It was worth it.
@@paulscountry456 what helped the most was the evidence it was purely a defensive shooting. Stop trying to legitimize a case that should have never been brought.
fact is, it's the "foolish" acts that change the course of law, culture, and politics. rittenhouse was a necessity. america needed rittenhouse. the justice system needed rittenhouse's example
When I learned self-defense in the 1990s you, Mr. Massad Ayoob, were one of the most prominent authorities. I learned so much from you and I'm so grateful for everything you taught me then. It is amazing to me that in the 2020s you are still here, explaining self-defense in the new medium of TH-cam. Thank you so much for everything you did and everything you're still doing.
I always enjoy listening to Mr. Ayoob. He is a voice of reason and wisdom and is someone worth learning from. Many thanks to Wilson Combat for making his presentations available to us.
Unfortunately, prosecutors pretty much routinely do asinine and nonsensical things, because their mindset is usually winning a case at all costs. It's just like some of the creative fantasies that defense attorneys can be expected to apply. Lawyers are trained in basically complicating the obvious, and skewing things to benefit their positions.
Having watched the trial pretty much in its entirety, the prosecution was clearly not focused on right or wrong legal or illegal. They simply wanted a win no matter the cost to justice. Now imagine being a poor person who could not afford the defense that young rittenhouse was lucky to have afforded to him. Those people represent a scary percentage of people in prison. Let's keep being upset, now that we know how prosecutors operate. Let's demand change before it happens to one of us or a loved one. The legal system is broken.
@@joetaylor8687 part of the reason I went into Powersports repair, after finishing pre law. Odds are I would have started out as a public defender, in either a county, or city jurisdiction. At the time I was married to a survivor of child abuse, and had been helping my grandparents with their foster kids, from similar backgrounds, for a little mover 10 years. I was also raised by parents that wpiod have taken me out, and the body would not have turned up, had I ever done something along those lines myself. Imagine me having to defend a pedophile. Couldn't have done it. There's just no way. Better to change directions a few grand in, than to have to find work, after being let go, for refusing clients. Even if they ranked between pond scum and that white crust that forms around your mouth, when you're really thirsty. Also saw.some of the same tactics used by Binger, used by a.few prosecutors in NY, where I lived at the time. And that's not even getting into the shit laws of that state. Moved to Florida with that wife, and went to MMI in Daytona. Got divorced there, moved back north, put 4 years in at a local dealership, met my current wife, and we opened our own shop in PA. 20 years later, we're happy, business is doing great, recently expanded and opened up our own dealership, daughter works at Cleveland Clinic, and we are happy with where we are. No regrets.
The prosecutors were constantly trying to move the trial out of the courtroom and into the court of public opinion. Their conduct was nothing short of disgusting!
Massad... Thank you for your very intricate well thought out well explained views on everything firearm related. And I'm also proud to say that this man has helped us here in New Hampshire beyond measure. As New Hampshire native I am proud of this man and everything that he stands for. Thank you again. 🔥
I watched the 2020 summer's "Mostly Peaceful Protest" coverage by 'American Media' with dismay. I watched the events of Kenosha play out on the Lame Stream Media while their experts fed me 'facts' the video coverage didn't portray. As I watched the trial, I was very saddened by the continued drum beat of the media and the theatrics of the prosecutor's team. Thank goodness for an excellent defense team and honest clear thinking jury. This is the best trial analysis I have seen, bar none. Short, concise, without any drum beating or chest pounding. Thank you sir. Another excellent analysis.
Or maybe Rittenhouse didn't want to be righteous and just wanted to walk around w/ his gun , at night during a mass protest and riotters , yelling medico. When a suicidal person saw what must have looked like a scared 17 year old w/ his AR, telling Rittenhouse to shoot him, that's what happened. Then people who see a kid start shooting people who was unarmed try to stop Rittenhouse, he shot them as well. If Rittenhouse simply wanted to clean up the area after the protest , he could have done that during the day, when the SUN was out. Instead he brought a gun to a violital situation. And killed two people. One who was a scumbag but also didn't get the mental health treatment needed. Cause again this is the USA.
I wonder what would have happened if one of the jurors had reacted to the prosecutor pointing a firearm at them by standing up and saying something like "What are you doing? Don't point that weapon at me, you idiot!"
@@monotech20.14 he was hired to act as security for a car dealership that was vandalized the night before. He was threatened while acting as security...things escalated from there.
I watched the entire trial and that was the most dishonest prosecution I have ever seen. The prosecutor flat lied to the jury. He made fun of the skateboard as a deadly weapon.
And attorney Kraus said something along the lines of “sometimes you just have to take a beating.” It was the most absurd prosecution attempt I’ve ever seen
As a police officer, firearms instructor, and academy instructor it was clear after seeing the compilation of all the videos of these shootings Mr. Rittenhouse was acting in self defense at the time of the shootings. He acted only when he felt his life was in danger and ceased shooting when it was not. This was clearly a politically motivated prosecution. Your breakdown of the events is spot on. Why he was there is irrelevant. This is still a free country and he can go wherever he wants to. People climb cliffs and fall off and people rarely ask why they climb the cliff. The prosecution's arguments about the legality of the gun possession and questioning why Rittenhouse was even there lends to a totalitarianism of thought and control over the people. The courts should have never allowed this prosecution in the first place.
I am also a firearms instructor and concur with your assessment completely. I had a student who disagreed and asked to state her case and we just stated facts and then she understood and changed her assessment and agreed with mine.
Why he was there is certainly not irrelevant, any more than why violent protestors were there was irrelevant. If he had revealed to people he was with that night that he was hoping to shoot some protestors, that would not have been a great intention to have to offset in court. But he was a public spirited person whose main goal in life was to help others. His career path included EMT, and something else that was public spirited. Interesting parallel to George Zimmerman, where you have individuals who maybe should have stayed out of harm's way on the days in question, but were people who want to help others and to some degree will take on personal risk to do so. Zimmerman assisted at a Hwy accident shortly after his acquittal.
@@HondoTrailside yeah, I agree. In fact, even though he may have gone there to help, I still think it was a stupid move, especially bringing his rifle. Yeah, like Mas said, being armed in that circumstance is reasonable, but if your only option(especially if you're only 17 with little to no training) is to open carry an AR, then maybe its best to stay home. Especially since his stated reason for being there was to defend the car dealership. My problem with a lot of these people who go out to "counterprotest", or to be helpful, defend buildings, property, peace, etc. and bring their rifles along is, what do they plan on doing if deadly force is not justified? Obviously you can't just shoot someone for breaking into a building or vandalizing cars, and if someone who's unarmed attacks them, or they get into a physical altercation with such a person, what are they going to do? I feel like a lot of these folks just don't think this stuff through, or think about everything that could go wrong. In fact, if Kyle never went that night(or if he had just didn't bring his rifle) almost certainly nobody would have died/got shot. That's not to say I think it was "all his fault", or that he should have been found guilty. I think the circumstances were just enough on his side that it would be very difficult to find him guilty of murder(or of being an "active shooter" or "mass shooter" or whatever nonsense the prosecutor claimed.) As for Zimmerman, I tend to disagree. He went after a 17 year old(I think?) unarmed kid, just because he "looked suspicious"(not sure how.) In my personal opinion, he wasn't "just trying to do good", he wanted to play "I'm a cop." He wanted to feel like a badass or hero, despite the police literally telling him _not_ to follow him, or engage him(again, my just my opinion.) Was he legally justified in shooting Treyvon? I guess...? I don't know. We only have Zimmerman's testimony. So if what he said is true, then yes, a self defense case could be warranted. However, even if he was legally justified, or there was not enough evidence to find him guilty of murder, doesn't mean he isn't "morally guilty", or that he doesn't at least share some of the blame. He introduced a gun to the situation, and chose to emgage/follow the kid. Not only that, but his actions and some of the this us he's said since the shooting have left me thinking he's kind of a piece of shit.
@@Mockturtlesoup1 "if Kyle never went that night(or if he had just didn't bring his rifle) almost certainly nobody would have died/got shot." WRONG If Kyle had gone there without the rifle... HE WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. Why were those men chasing him??? Because he had a rifle??? NO. They were chasing him because he put out a fire one of them started. They were trying to burn another place down... and he was stopping all their fun. The reason Kyle was there... was because the police and fire departments were told to STAND DOWN and watch the city burn. If YOUR home and/or YOUR business was being set ablaze... and the police and fire department just stood there and explained that they were not allowed to "interfere" with the fun... you would simply hand the rioters some hot dogs and tell them to have fun roasting them over the coals of YOUR properties??? WARS are fought for buildings and properties. And, a riot IS a war.
As a skateboarder, a good board and it’s parts are meant to endure lots of abuse from skating handrails, doing tricks down stairs or gaps and then you have to land back on that board with your bodyweight at full force. You’re damn right a piece of equipment like that can kill you if you Swing it as hard as he was! Kyle’s reactions were 100% self-defense! 🚀✨🚀✨🚀
Totally agree... you get whacked by the edge of one, you are going down. Is was the second story I saw where protesters used a skateboard. The other case was a person defending a statue and a few protestors started wailing on the person, once in the , and the protestor got in trouble for brandishing a weapon afterwards. I was like :" what the ef"... If you are or were a skater you know those suckers can be deadly. I almost knocked myself out once doing something stupid with a board and it winged around and clipped (we didn't have to wear helmets back then). We chalk that up to learning...I digress. anyway, certainly can be used as a weapon. I don't know what happened in the end to the person defending the statue. The article was already slanted.
Ok Mr. Ayoob you requested a comment. Throughout many videos I hear the seeded words “Critical mass”, self defense, etc. what I notice about you is you are the smartest man in the room. Situational awareness etc. endearing terms for sure. In my town of Beaver Falls PA a beautiful young girl holding her little girls hand was stopped by a young kid 14 years old who asked for a cigarette and she said no, get a job buy your own. He then draws his stolen 44 mag and shoots her in the face dead. Over a .10 cent cigarette. My point will all that I’ve said is reactions, fear, defense all at a culmination of critical mass come together. Obviously the case I mentioned would have been a no brainer but the backlash of self defense swings the legal gavel and the societal gavel just as hard hitting poignant. You’ve profiled many cases on your channel and I’m glad for that but now I don’t want to carry, I don’t even want to leave home. There is an ugly side of defense and the spin doctors who must have their hero’s. I hate anxiety and can’t watch movies with high impact or revenge in them. In short I’m not as afraid of another person as much as I am my own reactions to that situation. For those who want to sling mud at me. I invite you to walk one single mile in my shoes.
Very well said as always... I completely understand why he went and I think anyone who didn't fall for the BS the media and that garbage of a human being DA was saying also understood why he went. If riots erupted in my town and people were burning and looting I'd want to do something about it also we need more Kyle Rittenhouse's in the world...
When anyone talks about Kyle's situation I always have to start by saying first and foremost the government failed the local government abandoned its citizens because of optics. Anyone who talks about crap hit the fan no rule of law bug in situation that is what happened. If the government cant be held accountable then no one who did anything that night should be accountable. Kyle defended his community and did nothing wrong and showed amazing control and judgement.
^^^^^ THIS. The federal government endorsed this insnaity and the local governments abandoned their duty to the citizenry...who were forced to then do their duty for them. Then they have the audacity to blame a kid who did everything in his power to get out of that situation WITHOUT hurting anybody and clearly only did so when he was left with no alternative...the fact that there was a trial was an abomination. Luckily, the system that failed Rittenhouse may not have been on his side, but the citizenry he stuck his neck out for was. There's still hope for this country.
I agree. I just made a post under the same understanding. Mr Ayoob was a police officer at one point, and his job was to get in the middle of trouble. Basically looking for trouble.
Some say it was foolish for him to even be there in the first place, much less being armed. But as someone else once said, “All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to stand by and do nothing.” I admire him for having the courage and conviction to act on his principles and for the way he handled himself that night and during the trial.
As I told people: I wouldn't have done what he tried to do, but that's only because he is a better man than I. Just like the McMichaels in the Arbery case. FOR SURE, after what happened to THEM, if I see someone breaking into an unknown neighbors house, I won't give a FLYING FUCK!
us on the other side see it the same way we see a racist police force occupying communities like in the colonial days and we are standing up against that violently if need be... this isnt black and white theres evil on both sides
Mas, I've been a follower of yours since reading "In the gravest extreme". The local and federal government deserve full credit for the violence that they allowed or even promoted. I did 25+ years in law enforcement, about half as a firearms instructor. I readily concur with your opinion. That young man handled himself well, even during the trial. Thanks Brother for the years of education.
The important thing is that a precedent was not established that Left fascist rioters have the right to kill anyone they like, for whatever reason, and that the potential victim has no right whatsoever to fight back.
@@DrCruel WTF are talking about," Left fascist rioters" You don't even know what fascist mean, "have the right to kill anyone they like for whatever reason". So what "rioter" killed someone or "thought they could kill ANYONE they LIKE for WHATEVER"?!?! Only people I see getting away with murder are cops and right wingers "and that the potential victim has no right whatsoever to fight back" You people just say some of the dumbest s**t.
If I had been on the jury and the prosecutor pointed that hopefully unloaded AR-15 in my direction I would have demanded that he be charged with reckless endangerment!
Thank you Massad Ayoob for youre great and wise insight on the hero who stopped an insurrection in a peaceful town in the midwest. If only all could see beyond the media and its lies
I was browsing at AR-15s on the net and I was redirected to your channel. I’ve been watching and learning for 3 hours. Your deep and clear voice is so gripping! You sir portray wisdom and grace unparalleled to anyone I’ve ever witnessed! A superb human being! - A new fan
I worked in Kenosha at the time, I followed every thing I watched the whole trail the morning after my son who worked 3rd shift text me don,t go to work ,that's when my son and I got permits and started carrying ever since.Kyle was self defending. Our government let those riots happen. Couple of interesting facts the FBI supplied the prosecutor clear night vision footage that wasn't shown to defense theirs was a low pixel blurry useless version. A couple years prior Jacob Blake was in a bar near my house got into an argument and pulled a gun and the mag fell out and people laughed him out of the bar.
You mean the FBI, the top law enforcement agency in our great land, withheld exculpatory evidence from the defendant, who is presumed innocent until proven guilty??!! How could that happen? Wouldn't they lose trust and credibility with their employers? It would be almost as if they had an agenda other than determining the facts to the best of their ability.
I thought he showed extreme restraint, one of the things I saw while watching the trial that absolutely blew my mine is when the Prosecutor pointed the gun at the jury.
Many police and soldiers would have shot those thugs repeatedly if they were in Rittenhouse's shoes. He's definitely a cool customer compared to most people.
If that prosecutor would have pointed a gun at me that whole place would erupted guaranteed never flag another human being that judge would have been making sure something happened with that one
An excellent analysis. As a retired LEO, I was afraid that Kyle Rittenhouse was doomed to be a victim of the left. The only thing that I can fault Kyle for is being young and enthusiastic for his beliefs. As a young man he was turning his enthusiasm to helping in what seemed the best way to him. I hope all of his lawsuits against the leaders of the left and the media are successful and well published.
Mr Elliott, I can find no fault with him. Enthusiasm is what lead you to become a law enforcement officer. Think about it. Your job was to look for trouble, and to put yourself in the middle of it. I was 18 when I went into the Marine Corps. My job was an Infantry Rifleman. It literally says we have to look for trouble as our mission. I was 19 when I went into combat. I was 2 years older than Mr Rittenhouse. They never tell you the cost of your decision.
@Backup Bottle Boss A lot of departments hire guys that are great at following orders of their chain of command, and not at following the law. The police department in Kenosha had a job they neglected because of the brass. Remember not one cop went in to put order back. The brass also placated to the politicians. I don't know about you, and this maybe Monday morning quarterbacking, but I would have defied the orders, and found similar people to go in with me. I would take being fired for doing my job over the city burning. I will catch flack for this, but I know through experience I would. This evidence comes from my past experiences in combat. Being outnumbered in a city that hates you, and is willing to rain lead, rockets, IEDs, mortors at your location is nothing new for me. Strictly the orders from higher in the Kenosha Police were unlawful orders. What happened to the Police Officers running into a fire fight? What happened to their bravery as the city burned? I think the public would have forgiven them if they actually did their jobs. It's too bad a 17 year old had to do their jobs. The trial wasn't about him. It was about how this 17 year old embarrassed the politicians and the police. How dare a 17 year old male make the government look bad? The trial didn't disappoint either. The prosecutors had egg on their face.
I have read your writings from many magazines, articles and different sources, now on these videos and I never cease to be amazed at your knowledge and ability to articulate your thoughts to the layman like myself. Thank You.
This was a GREAT explanation of the whole episode. Being a Vietnam infantry guy I am not going to go into a situation like this. I am not going the “answer the Panther” unless he forces me. Kyle did and with good, peaceful intentions. He was, in my opinion, wise to go armed. If you are going to go to a riot to try to HELP people, you still may need a firearm. Its better to have one and not need it than to need one and not have it. I think Mr Ayoob’s comments are ALL correct and I believe that the outcome of the trial was correct in all regards. Do not try to kill an armed man is one lesson people might take to heart. I believe that Mr Rittenhouse showed extreme restraint in not killing everyone who attacked him. He simply stopped the immediate threat. Given my background from my younger days I am not sure I would have done as well in this respect as this young man did. I am certainly glad I did not find myself in his situation. In the end shooting people is bad for everyone involved. I hope Mr Rittenhouse suffers not “after effects” from all this.
For a young person, Kyle Ritenhouse showed exceptional maturity, focus, and restraint in the situation as he faced it. Heck, I am 65, and I don't know if I could respnd as well as Rittenhouse!
I appreciate your continual service sir. Having retired from an injury, I have become the guy “in the rear with the gear”. My comment is not about K Rittenhouse but directed at you. I simply say thank you and know that another guy with a little grey showing appreciates you.
Spot on Massad! I’m glad you did an analysis on this event. It’s important to look at these cases and learn the positive as well as the negative from them. Thank you!
I've seen every scrap of video and followed this story from literally the moment I saw it on live stream. Your summarization of the events was extremely well articulated, simple, concise, and factual. It was a very pleasant video to listen to.
I was sitting at an outdoor bar in Cozumel a few years ago and a few uniformed Mexican cops sat next to me and had a few drinks. The one closest to me had his rifle slung across his back and the barrel was pointed right at my head while he had a beer😳😳 I didn’t dare complain. Lol
Thank you, Mr. Ayoob. I have "been a student" of your's for several years. And I always recommend that my firearms students become a "student of your's", as well. I think this is the best opinion piece that I have watched.
Mas, thank you for the lesson on when to stop shooting. I've heard similar explanations of Kyle's innocence from others, but not "stop shooting when the threat stops". That's critical to ingrain in our minds.
Mr. Ayoub is quite the professional. My thoughts as a retired 20 year U.S. Army Vietnam veteran are these. Do we want to confront danger? No, of course not. But sometimes when others run and hide a meager few step up and draw a line in the sand and say "No further!" The military is one group, the police are another and sometimes its the average citizen who realizes "If not me to protect my loved ones, then who?"
"Do we want to confront danger? No, of course not." LOL. Meanwhile in pesky ol reality land, Kyle left home wander across state lines looking for danger, and brought a gun because he intended to shoot someone as soon as he found the chance. He's nothing more than a poster child for bad parenting, and you ammosexuals fantasize about being him because you wish you could get away with murdering your fellow Americans just like he did.
Yup. Read my longer post on this point. The Kenosha PD deliberately allowed the town to turn into a bucket of gasoline and that halfwit hospital dropped a lit match into it shaped like Rosenbaum, complete with a total lack of his bipolar meds. But instead they tried to blame it all on a 17 year old kid.
Massed, I have followed your work over the years In it’s many formats and always learn something of value. Your opinion on the subject of Rittenhouse is no exception to that. Thank you.
Paul and Massad are the ONLY two gun people who's opinions matter to me. All the rest I take with a bag of salt, instead of a grain..............................................................
The prosecutor should have the life sued out of him for malicious prosecution: it was quite plain from the beginning that the evidence did not support the charges.
@Tom Gulbranson Well then whoever made the decision, whether the prosecutor, or someone above him, should be held responsible. I just don't believe in holding people responsible for tasks they had no choice in. That's like getting angry at the cashier for the store's return policy.
@@adammathers4879 Theoretically, the DA being told to charge a malicious case should refuse under ethics guidelines, and report the command to charge to the bar association for review.
Public opinion demanded a trial. To not prosecute was the correct legal thing, but at least fifty million Americans needed to see this kid go on trial. They needed to see the correct outcome, and they did. Look at the lack of competence we saw in Prosecutor Thomas Binger. They were doing all they could to make sure the kid walked. There were so many "blunders" and things that just looked like if this judge doesn't stop this the kid will be free on appeal. The way the trial was conducted there was no way 12 people would find him guilty and then an appeals court would still find him guilty. I still feel sorry for the kid. That's a tough thing to live through.
The wisdom of entering the situation aside, he acted almost perfectly as if he had gone through police or combat training. I pray I never am in such a situation, but if I am, I hope to perform as well as Kyle did. Good motivation to continue to train!
Or maybe Rittenhouse didn't want to be righteous and just wanted to walk around w/ his gun , at night during a mass protest and riotters , yelling medico. When a suicidal person saw what must have looked like a scared 17 year old w/ his AR, telling Rittenhouse to shoot him, that's what happened. Then people who see a kid start shooting people who was unarmed try to stop Rittenhouse, he shot them as well. If Rittenhouse simply wanted to clean up the area after the protest , he could have done that during the day, when the SUN was out. Instead he brought a gun to a violital situation. And killed two people. One who was a scumbag but also didn't get the mental health treatment needed. Cause again this is the USA.
@@pebo8306 I beg to differ. Kyle was at the time trying to leave the location. The guy that leveled the weapon at him was a prohibited person from owning much less carrying a gun. Kyle did not level his gun at the pistol wielding felon until he was in danger. If Kyle had eaten the built from the felon, the felon would have to prove he was in direct danger of harm from Kyle which the video would have shown he was not. I am still wondering why the felon has not been prosecuted for being in possession of a weapon.
Thanks Massad...some of the best, most succinct commentary on the trial that I have heard to-date. Your background in tactics, law enforcement and the law lends a lot of perspective and wisdom to the events. I'd like to hear your opinion on Rittenhouse's very effective use of the rifle, not just from a restraint perspective, but from a noob shooter in a first-time stress-shooting perspective. He appeared to display a lot of very mature talents and decisions when by all rights he didn't have the training or experience to posses them.
Thank you! I never watched the trial because all news stations break too often for dramatic inserts. All I wanted to know was what happened. You laid it out perfectly (IMHO) and concisely. He probably shouldn’t have been out there but these days we all want to do our part some way but are told to stay inside and eat popcorn. We want this done! So I get his going into this thing as he did.
Why would you go out to a riot? Effectively you would be making a public disturbance bigger by your presence. I hope your superpower is calming an angry mob who are deliberately inflamed by thieves looking for motor easy takings.
Also noteworthy, the vaporized bicep guy, did try to shoot Rittenhouse after getting to the curb he sat on after being shot. The round misfired and was then cleared from the chamber, it was found on the ground near the pistol. How Rittenhouse's attorneys didn't expand or see that I have no idea. But they missed that although it was mentioned in the trial.
And one satisfactory note, the poop head that had his bicep blown off had to enter the witness protection program and one night, as he tried to cross a road, a black guy in a car ran him over. He was in the hospital with a lacerated liver along with some other injuries. Verse in the Bible...."Be not deceived, God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap."
Justice delivered! In Minneapolis blacks and everyone else had AK-47s and other guns in front of businesses. The Minneapolis Police gave guns back to people who were not allowed to have guns, i.e. illegal guns, during the looting and arson. In St. Paul they still just confiscate guns at traffic stops from people who cannot legally possess a gun!! No charges or arrests of the illegal gun possessor!!
Liberals can't discern reality because they don' t do their own independent research., they are a cult who just believe the narrative the enemy tells them to believe in cabal controlled mainstream media. If they watched the actual trial start to finish there would be no doubt in their minds Kyle wasted all the right people at the right times for a perfect case of self defense. And due to all the footage, the jury was basically able to be there to see it all unfold with their own eyes.
He was the only one charged with a crime as far as I know. I personally would be someplace else. He is a stand-up individual.. I was a politically motivated prosecution on part of the DA The Judge had it pegged as such and since it's Wisconsin where deer hunting is pretty much a religion, Most have no problems with guns. The Video showed what occurred. The jury could not find any other matter. Kyle is going to have to live with this for the rest of his life. It's good that he came out of it ok. He still spent way too much time in jail for something that criminal charges should have never been brought in the first place. We can not allow politics into the courtroom.
They did later charge the rioter who shot before Kyle did and who was with the convicted pedophile with arson, I'm guessing to prevent him from testifying in that trial due to having rights to not self incriminate.
The very first time I saw part of the video I thought Man, if every cop and individual gun owner had this kid's amount of self control with his weapons handling, the world would be a safer place.
I've been carrying for over a decade now and will never stop learning!! I appreciate so much Massad's experience and comments on so many different things ! I'm also part of a safety team in a large church ! I've always pushed the guys to be alert ro every thing around you. You don't have to look like a detective, but smile and greet people but always on alert !!!
My favorite part was when the judge laid into the prosecutor. Also, when the Gage Grosskreutz confirmed that he was shot only when he pointed his own weapon at Kyle and you just saw the prosecution team put their heads in their hands. They knew the case was a slam dunk for the defense.
I was able to view the original videos from, several sources, of Kyle’s actions. Before TH-cam removed them. Colion Noir ,also a lawyer, provided his commentary. The jury rendered the correct judgment.
Sir, read your books as a kid and they helped me when I had to defend people in Afghanistan. I live in the General area you do and have been trying to get an autograph. Not because I collect autographs are anything like that, but because I respect your advice I received by reading your books. I had a 7th grade teacher see me reading your book once and he knew about it. He told me, don't let this teacher or that one see you with it. He gave me a copy of one of your other books at the end of the year. Kinda funny because he and I still email back and forth. If you have info on where I can send something to get autographed I'd appreciate it.
Perhaps the question is not “should he have stayed away?” but rather “why can’t more of us commit as Kyle did when our cities and neighborhoods are in danger?” After all…a well regulated militia, being necessary to a free state (sound familiar?) sometimes has to be engaged. If the people cannot be compelled to take action the words are just words.
Absent a complete breakdown in lawful authority, it becomes legally murky to act in defense of the community at large in such a way. If I heard something going on at my next door neighbor's house, would I aid them? Absolutely. If I were asked by a friend to defend their specific property or place of business, yes. If a clear and present danger exists or you are specifically asked to assist it is harder for a prosecutor to infer you are acting as a vigilante. Fortunately in Rittenhouse's case the jury rejected that argument, but one has to weigh the potential consequences in that situation. The further you are from your own property the greater legal hazard you potentially place yourself in unless a situation of general civil unrest exists.
@@bart99gt The 2020 riots WERE a complete breakdown of lawful authority. Those people were in complete anarchy, as was Kyle. What those towns have been doing is Step 1: Sew racial division Step 2: Abandon entire town and let anarchists destroy infrastructure Step 3: Arrest anyone who tries to stop said anarchists and put them in prison as possible insurrectionists. Lawful authority doesn't exist anymore. It's anarchotyranny
@@bart99gt I agree. The situation is, at best, legally murky and that is one big reason the hands of well intentioned citizens are tied in any attempt to take action to correct legal or moral wrongs....especially en masse. The insurgents - and the mega bureaucracy behind them - count on this legal mire to suppress us. So at what point do we stand in the streets shoulder to shoulder against these insurgents? This clearly is the moral imperative, but it is a tough threshold to cross...as it was for those men that stood at Lexington green. I don't know the answers, but it seems to me that if things continue as they are there will be a time when we must exercise our moral obligations and engage our militia rights...not just to buy guns and keep them in closets in our homes.
The best course for Kyle was to tell him he can help, but secure the weapon and stay on my six and do not get more than a foot from me. Think of his mother did she know he was in harms way with no one taking charge of her child. Yeah I was in the Army.
Cell? These are System-sanctioned soldiers, man. They had the FULL backing of not only the media (which is extremely powerful, perhaps even more than government in many respects) and the State. He was fighting the domestic military wing of the "deep state," "globohomo," whatever you wanna call it.
Mas, this has been one of the most insightful, concise and thought-provokig videos I've ever seen concerning a shooting incident. Not saying it to stroke an ego, because you've been a true professional ever since I've read your first articles. The analysis followed a lot of what was going thru my mind as I sat watching it in real time with my wife. Yes, at 17 he definitely should have stayed home, and lives will never be the same. But his intent was evident from the initial viewing to me. His control was stunning under that pressure in a first-time real world shoot/don't scenario. And I had to marvel at his innocent trust as he walked towards the officers in that highly charged situation with his hands raised. Those of us that have been there understand the chaos and maelstrom of emotions to contain. .. the inevitable "what else could I have done?" You've tried to instill that in millions of readers, officers and students, for that I thank you. Too bad millions more won't take the time to listen.
Agreed. I think you be interested in the youtube group informally called "lawtube" - who generally orbit the one known as Pope Rackets (Rekieta Law) who's livestreams often include Andrew Branca, mentioned by Ayoob early in this video. 👍
I agree with everything that Massad wrote except the part about staying home. That whole summer I was waiting for an army of law-abiding, armed citizens to take on some of the arsonists, looters and rioters especially in all the towns where politicians had the police stand down. I really wanted to see someone pop a rioter that was fixin' to lob a molotov cocktail at a building or people trying to protect their property. I'd sure hate to see people get shot but if I were lobbing those cocktails myself or looting I should expect someone to end my life. .
@@joeswinsick8977 agreed. "Staying home" and playing it safe is how we got into this mess (10% lunatics essentially running the country). Naive as Kyle was, he was doing the right thing and should serve as an example for all Americans. Let us learn from the mistakes, and remain true to the founding spirit. 🇺🇸
I was floored when that prosecutor grabbed that ar, bolt closed , no flag in the chamber and heald it above the head of the jury to scare the crap outta them. If I was the the defense attorney I would have screamed at him for that. Way to many safety violations were ignored there. Yes its not suppose to have ammo in it but ask Baldwin about that.
Justice delivered! In Minneapolis blacks and everyone else had AK-47s and other guns in front of businesses. The Minneapolis Police gave guns back to people who were not allowed to have guns, i.e. illegal guns, during the looting and arson. In St. Paul they still just confiscate guns at traffic stops from people who cannot legally possess a gun!! No charges or arrests of the illegal gun possessor!!
yes, a good attorney knowing firearms well could have interrupted that safety failure of the prosecutor, or waited until finished and then ask for the rifle. Show , and ask the jury why would you listen to a maniac that just pointed a rifle at you in court ?! Unacceptable for any reason, proving prosecution is invalid and out of control. What else will you get wrong, and how else can you show your ignorance against the defendant?! Then take the rifle and demonstrate proper safe handling and refer to a 'blue' gun if you don't have one. If you need an attorney, be sure they are very capable to handle your secific situation. I once had a simple easy shooting/safety case where someone injured me. I LOST the case because my attorney was ignorant and knew only a fraction of what I did. Mistakingly, I used him not because he was the best person for the job but because I had already employed him for something else.
"....knowing when to cease fire is every bit as important as knowing when to start..." There are no truer words regarding violent action/reaction. Cheers from Texas.
My comments are about the situation (videos) - not the trial. I was MOST impressed with Kyle's weapon handling. When he fell, he maintained control of his weapon and Situational Awareness. His skills saved his life against a drawn weapon. His effort to get with the Police, having just killed two thugs showed maturity well beyond his years. I wonder when and where he got any previous training. Any insights? Any course recommendations? I'm watching more of the WILSON COMBAT videos! Thanks for sharing these valuable lessons.
Excellent video, probably the most concise and effective summary of the event on TH-cam. The question as to whether he should have even been there seems to be the only issue of debate in the issue, and I'd like to posit this: Kyle worked in Kenosha, had friends and family in Kenosha, and probably spent as much or more of his time in Kenosha than his home town in Illinois. Kenosha is as much HIS community as anyone else, therefore when Kyle's community was under attack, in the absence of help from his state government, he had every right (and some may say responsibility) to be present and armed to defend Kenosha.
Thanks Massad! Great video with lots of solid information! 👍🏼 And I definitely agree with what you expressed here. I watched all of the trial! I was actually surprised the prosecutor even went after Kyle, it then he might not have had a choice from the DA.
I don't know how anyone could watch the video footage of the entire sequence of events (lucky for him, it exists) and say that any of the shots KR fired were not fired in self defense.
@@Thisisoscar_ You also don't have to think he's guilty (under backwards ass red state laws ofc) to see that he intentionally caused the whole problem by making a road trip to go wave a gun around. If he's somehow "innocent" then that says more about the need for national-level gun law reform than it does about Kyle doing right vs wrong.
@@TwoTreesStudiokyles presence didn't cause those deaths, it was the people that attacked him that caused everything. Quit victim blaming, the facts have been present for years now. You have no reason to continue being wrong
When I saw the video, I could not believe how perfectly Rittenhouse reacted, as you said he shot to stop the threat, thats all. Tried to do everything he could to escape the threat. We all know he was in fear for his life. With that much adrenaline going through you being chased by a mob, amazing restraint was shown. Some of the clearest video evidence of self defense I have ever seen. Imagine how long he would have been locked up if the videos did not exist.
That's what scared me the most, that Rittenhouse would have been sentenced to a long prison term if it wasn't for the video. The media and the courts already had him convicted. The amount of hate directed at him was unbelievable. Whoopi Goldberg was screaming for his head on a daily basis and she influences a lot of people. I'm impressed that Rittenhouse did what he felt was right, but I would never get involved. Too much to lose. And it wasn't just prison, he could have been beaten so badly that he'd have been crippled for life or killed. I'll stay home with my rifle loaded and take care of me and mine.
Mass, I know your advise is spot on legally speaking. However, somebody had to stand up at this moment and time in our history. I think it's sad that it took a 17-year-old boy to do it, while grown men were afraid to ANTHER.
What are going on about? You're making Rittenhouse, the little runt, into a hero? Just because he was found not guilty, doesn't mean he isn't an immature, stupid little crybaby who had no business there playing tough guy.
Brilliant analysis as always by Mr Ayoob. I was heartened by the jury verdict, and the sense they showed. I think Americans are more and more realizing the irrationality of the Gun Control fanatics. Used to be most every one whether they disagreed or not with some one, gave consideration to their opinions. I think that ship has sank on the Gun Control crowd as I hear most people I know who USED to believe in the fiction of "common sense gun laws" refute the statements of the control crowds, and applaud those from free-minded Liberty loving Americans.
@@haroldwilkes6608 No Binger was given the choice to take on the case and he took it. He wanted to prosecute because he seriously in his mind thought Kyle was guilty lol.
@@guyfanno1 And who gave him the choice? He had political aspirations and justice for Kyle was the furthest thing from his mind, he wanted to ride a cause celebre into the DA's office and didn't care how he got there. Kyle received justice despite Binger's efforts to manipulate the trial and, in the end, Binger received justice too.
The whole video sequence was awesome but, upon seeing that in the midst of the MOB ATTACK he was facing told us that boy is something special! That was amazing.
We want to hear from you too! What was your opinion of the trial? Do you agree with Massad, or did you see it differently?
I wanna hear about that A Hole Prosector Binger and his dirty tactics he pulled or tried to pull.
All I know is from this video; truth. After less than ten minutes, no question.
Blame the politicians for allowing the situation that created this . DA was a complete moron thankfully.
Having the "Right" doesn't mean you're in the Right. If he was there as a medic he should have been unarmed but with escort. My personal opinion.
WC I confess that I started watching prepared to contest at least part of the presentation. Massad presented a concise, balanced perspective on the Kyle Rittenhouse trial. The only things I would emphasize differently are that Kyle worked in Kenosha, his father and grandmother lived in Kenosha, and the Illinois/Wisconsin border is something like 1-1/2 miles from Kyle’s home. The attack media kept repeating the “he crossed state lines” crap over and over, so it’s important to get those facts out.
I thought Rittenhouse had exercised amazing self control during the attacks on him, but Massad made an excellent point - Kyle stopped shooting the instant the threat to himself ceased every time. Even if it didn’t help him in the trial, that is the right thing to do. I hadn’t really thought as much about knowing when to stop shooting, but it is so important as Massad points out.
Finally, Massad addressed the troubling issue for me in this whole case in a very reasonable way. Should Kyle have put himself in harms way while carrying an AR-15? No - in my opinion. His motives were all good AFAICT; however, he did not need to be there. I am very glad that he was not seriously injured himself, and even happier that the jury refused to convict him in this clearly politically motivated trial. But it was a situation a 17-year old should have avoided.
Craziest thing about the trial was that Binger said he would not have prosecuted the rioters if they had killed Kyle. It’s beyond me how anyone can remain employed after publicly refusing to perform duties of their position.
you can never underestimate the stupidity and ignorance of people.
Just look to the prosecutors in LA, San Fran, Portland and Seattle, etc.
Welcome to the neo liberal state of mind.
The judge is liberal but stuck to the law. Props to him for interpreting the law 100%!
Why would he prosecute the blackshirts of his government? They were only following orders.
“Knowing when to stop shooting is every bit as critical as knowing when to start.”
So important. So well said.
The police could learn that lesson; in too many police shootings the cops will mag-dump, which greatly increases the chance of someone other than the armed perp getting hit, as happened with the nurse in Louisville who was killed when her idiot boyfriend fired one shot, and the cops replied with over 20 shots.
@@gregb6469 That is because there is cases where people who have been shot a dozen or more times still manage to run, get into vehicles and start driving. Adrenaline can make the body do incredible things beyond normal. Police are trained to "terminate the threat" immediately and that unfortunately means end their life to save your own and others. Also when you are in that state, you cannot pause to think about anything because milliseconds matter. It is easy to sit here and think about it because we are not involved and have no clue what it is like under that condition, of life or death. And, not all bullets are going to hit the target in the right spot, center of mass, so the more shots the greater likelihood to end the threat. This sadly can lead to innocent bystanders getting hit or killed like you mention, but it is a necessary measure to combat evil. I hope that made sense. I agree it sucks, but I also sympathize with the police putting their lives in basically war zones, for the better of society.
@@leadgindairy3709 Just like Binger seemed to think Kyle could have paused to consider the result of his first shot at Rosenbaum. It was a ludicrous thing for Binger to try and insinuate that Kyle had heaps of time, when the defense made it clear that Kyles first defensive, was four shots fired in less than a second.
@@leadgindairy3709 -- No cop should ever go into panic mode when facing a perp. They MUST be taught to fire one or two shots, then stop to see what effect their shots are having. In most cases the perp will either have been hit and have gone down, be trying to surrender, or be fleeing. In almost no cases is a spray-and-pray mag dump ever justified.
I'm thinking, if knowing when to start shooting saves my life, then it might be ever so slightly more important to me than knowing when to stop. Just a thought.
It absolutely floored me when the prosecutor seized on the use of FMJ ammo as evidence of wanton recklessness. First they tell us that the use of hollow-point bullets is sinister... now we can't use FMJ either? Sorry, but nobody loads 5.56 ammo with Nerf dart tips.
I think he was trying to imply that the .223 was a hollow point, which it is not. And that hollow points are exploding rounds, which they are not. The judge derailed that train. In fact, if he’d gone farther into it, he may have found that the Glock that Grosskreutz aimed at Kyle was loaded with hollow points, which is the right carry round for a pistol anyway.
True BUT any 5.56mm rifle owner, armed defender can buy ammunition suited to personal defense. Like Hornady TAP 5.56mm.
yeah when that was said i lol and asked do you want us to use Soft Points then
No matter what he had in it, it would have been "the worst kind", because they lie.
I have actually heard a defense att. say not to load your carry guns with "Zombie Killer" rounds or put "make my day" grips on them either. Anything that makes you look like you want to shoot, will be amplified to make you look crazy. Just like you really don't want cute signs talking about how you shoot intruders on your front door.
And all the "high powered rifle" crap. I wanted the defense to scream "Objection! Facts not in evidence!" A 5.56/.223 is not HIGH powered.
As it's been said, 100% of the people that did not attack Mr.Rittenhouse were untouched
From what I've seen he wasn't the aggressor at any point. You could argue maybe he shouldn't have been there probably shouldn't in my opinion. But when you're there and you're being attacked you have a right to defend yourself! I'll never disagree with that! A lot of people end up in places they probably shouldn't be doesn't mean you can't defend your life! Especially when you're being attacked!
@@bobbob-vi4jx given the circumstances he was in I think I can buy that our justice system can not, and probably should not, convict him of murder. but, he's on record as viewing those protesters very negatively to the point of believing some of them deserve to die. he went out there that night not perhaps with the intent to kill, but with an expectation that he might need to kill (or perhaps more like: "get to" kill). at a bare minimum, he deliberately put himself in a position where he would be forced to defend himself with lethal force and then he defended himself with lethal force. every action he took before he killed, and after, indicates that he's a menace to society in that he views people of certain political views to be expendable or worthy of state-sanctioned murder. and, that he will happily carry out those murders if given the chance - hopefully he never actually gets to become a cop
I hope the civil actions against him, and his reputation, render him destitute for life and selling right-wing coffee for a living as the only job he can get. it would be more than he deserves. sadly I probably hope for too much
I also think it's instructive to compare and contrast the treatment of rittenhouse by the state, with the treatment of michael reinoehl who also defended himself as rittenhouse did, but instead of becoming a cause celebre for the right he was the victim of an extrajudicial murder at the hands of the state
@@msdos_kapital I hope you suffer every tragedy you've wished upon Rittenhouse.
Except for the children the pedo touched.
This does have a pretty decent point !
I was just a kid in the early 1970s when I first picked up my brother in laws books that you wrote. Little did we both know 45 years later I'd be still a fan of yours. Thank u Sir for helping to shape my life. Your a National Treasure!!!!
I've read and heard articles by Ayoob since the 1980s. Combat Handguns, American Handgunner. Ayoob had LFI for years. He trained 1000s of police, service members, ccw users.
That is awesome!
What are some good books by Ayoob that you'd recommend for someone who has never read any of his work?
@@jazeenharal6013 In the Gravest Extreme
@@Paelorian thank you very much. I'll try to find a copy.
In my 30 year police career, I probably learned at least 75% of my "Use of force" report writing skills from reading Mr. Ayoob's books and listening to his lectures, and nearly 100% of my ability regarding how to clearly articulate the justification for a proper use of force in court and during Internal Affairs interviews. Mr. Ayoob, although I have never had the honor of meeting you in person, I cannot thank you enough
I too appreciate Mr Ayoob’s clear explanation of self defense. My curious question to you, as a 30 year experienced police officer is how would you of handled seeing a person walking toward you with a semi auto rifle during a riot?
@@Ostrich101R Action would depend on the context. Taking cover would be the first move regardless. Then evaluate: Is the person walking toward me with the rifle approaching in an attack posture, a defense posture? Is he yelling aggressively or offering help? am I under fire? Does the person with the rifle respond to and/or cooperate with any verbal or other directions I might give? There's not one good answer to your general question. If your question is; Does a police officer treat armed citizens like criminals? Answer: No, it depends on the circumstances and context. Best advice, if you are armed, stay inside and let the criminals come to you then repel them on your own terms and home grounds. Let the cops handle the outside.
You probably hear this a lot, but thank you for your bravery and courage in serving your community.
@@anusmcgee4150 Mr. McGee, I always appreciate the sentiment you expressed but no thanks are necessary. I considered it a privilege to serve the city where I worked and I believe it is I who owe thanks to the good people who built a community so worthy of protecting; giving meaning and importance against some of the dangers of the job. It makes it easier to live with this plate in my head. It was worth it.
Too bad your writing skills never involved learning about run-on sentences.
Due to the current state of affairs I didn’t expect justice to prevail but it did.
The judge was on Kyle's side for sure,foolish prosecution helped.
@@paulscountry456 what helped the most was the evidence it was purely a defensive shooting. Stop trying to legitimize a case that should have never been brought.
What? I thought he was acquitted????
By the grace of God. System won't let it happen again if they can help it.
fact is, it's the "foolish" acts that change the course of law, culture, and politics. rittenhouse was a necessity. america needed rittenhouse. the justice system needed rittenhouse's example
When I learned self-defense in the 1990s you, Mr. Massad Ayoob, were one of the most prominent authorities. I learned so much from you and I'm so grateful for everything you taught me then. It is amazing to me that in the 2020s you are still here, explaining self-defense in the new medium of TH-cam. Thank you so much for everything you did and everything you're still doing.
I picked up his books on the newstand in the late 1980s.
I always enjoy listening to Mr. Ayoob. He is a voice of reason and wisdom and is someone worth learning from. Many thanks to Wilson Combat for making his presentations available to us.
+1 Massad Ayoob knows a lot & his input in modern cases, helps.
He could easily play GOD if they make a new series, his demeanor and voice say it true
Having watched the trial, I find it outrageous that both members of prosecution counsel are not facing disbarment for misconduct.
Unfortunately, prosecutors pretty much routinely do asinine and nonsensical things, because their mindset is usually winning a case at all costs. It's just like some of the creative fantasies that defense attorneys can be expected to apply. Lawyers are trained in basically complicating the obvious, and skewing things to benefit their positions.
Having watched the trial pretty much in its entirety, the prosecution was clearly not focused on right or wrong legal or illegal. They simply wanted a win no matter the cost to justice. Now imagine being a poor person who could not afford the defense that young rittenhouse was lucky to have afforded to him. Those people represent a scary percentage of people in prison. Let's keep being upset, now that we know how prosecutors operate. Let's demand change before it happens to one of us or a loved one. The legal system is broken.
@@badmandansanchez1823 Understatement of the year.
@@joetaylor8687 part of the reason I went into Powersports repair, after finishing pre law. Odds are I would have started out as a public defender, in either a county, or city jurisdiction.
At the time I was married to a survivor of child abuse, and had been helping my grandparents with their foster kids, from similar backgrounds, for a little mover 10 years.
I was also raised by parents that wpiod have taken me out, and the body would not have turned up, had I ever done something along those lines myself.
Imagine me having to defend a pedophile. Couldn't have done it. There's just no way.
Better to change directions a few grand in, than to have to find work, after being let go, for refusing clients.
Even if they ranked between pond scum and that white crust that forms around your mouth, when you're really thirsty.
Also saw.some of the same tactics used by Binger, used by a.few prosecutors in NY, where I lived at the time. And that's not even getting into the shit laws of that state.
Moved to Florida with that wife, and went to MMI in Daytona. Got divorced there, moved back north, put 4 years in at a local dealership, met my current wife, and we opened our own shop in PA.
20 years later, we're happy, business is doing great, recently expanded and opened up our own dealership, daughter works at Cleveland Clinic, and we are happy with where we are. No regrets.
The prosecutors were constantly trying to move the trial out of the courtroom and into the court of public opinion. Their conduct was nothing short of disgusting!
Absolutely the best rittenhouse breakdown I’ve seen. Well done as always Mas!
Wow, thanks!
@@gowilsoncombat WOW? Mas, it's just what you (always) DO, sir--nail down, and state the facts! lol
Agreed, Colion Noire does a good one too tho
Great explanation and breakdown
Massad... Thank you for your very intricate well thought out well explained views on everything firearm related. And I'm also proud to say that this man has helped us here in New Hampshire beyond measure. As New Hampshire native I am proud of this man and everything that he stands for. Thank you again. 🔥
I watched the 2020 summer's "Mostly Peaceful Protest" coverage by 'American Media' with dismay. I watched the events of Kenosha play out on the Lame Stream Media while their experts fed me 'facts' the video coverage didn't portray. As I watched the trial, I was very saddened by the continued drum beat of the media and the theatrics of the prosecutor's team. Thank goodness for an excellent defense team and honest clear thinking jury. This is the best trial analysis I have seen, bar none. Short, concise, without any drum beating or chest pounding. Thank you sir. Another excellent analysis.
It was mostly peaceful.
Or maybe Rittenhouse didn't want to be righteous and just wanted to walk around w/ his gun , at night during a mass protest and riotters , yelling medico. When a suicidal person saw what must have looked like a scared 17 year old w/ his AR, telling Rittenhouse to shoot him, that's what happened. Then people who see a kid start shooting people who was unarmed try to stop Rittenhouse, he shot them as well. If Rittenhouse simply wanted to clean up the area after the protest , he could have done that during the day, when the SUN was out. Instead he brought a gun to a violital situation. And killed two people. One who was a scumbag but also didn't get the mental health treatment needed. Cause again this is the USA.
@@monotech20.14 Rosenbaum deserved those extra holes.
I wonder what would have happened if one of the jurors had reacted to the prosecutor pointing a firearm at them by standing up and saying something like "What are you doing? Don't point that weapon at me, you idiot!"
@@monotech20.14 he was hired to act as security for a car dealership that was vandalized the night before. He was threatened while acting as security...things escalated from there.
I watched the entire trial and that was the most dishonest prosecution I have ever seen. The prosecutor flat lied to the jury. He made fun of the skateboard as a deadly weapon.
And attorney Kraus said something along the lines of “sometimes you just have to take a beating.” It was the most absurd prosecution attempt I’ve ever seen
Unfortunately that behavior is all too common from both counsel tables. Not just the prosecution.
@@nathanbryant9658 That fat tub prosecutor could not take a beating, but told a teen to get your ass whipped by a mental unstable Pedo.
I agree. The FBI and ATF are no 👼🏼. They too made major errors, cover ups.
It was the nail in the coffin to my anti death penalty stance
Sir. After listening to you on Rittenhouse case. We as patriots that would try and help other people should ware a body cam. Just my thoughts.
As a police officer, firearms instructor, and academy instructor it was clear after seeing the compilation of all the videos of these shootings Mr. Rittenhouse was acting in self defense at the time of the shootings. He acted only when he felt his life was in danger and ceased shooting when it was not. This was clearly a politically motivated prosecution. Your breakdown of the events is spot on. Why he was there is irrelevant. This is still a free country and he can go wherever he wants to. People climb cliffs and fall off and people rarely ask why they climb the cliff. The prosecution's arguments about the legality of the gun possession and questioning why Rittenhouse was even there lends to a totalitarianism of thought and control over the people. The courts should have never allowed this prosecution in the first place.
I am also a firearms instructor and concur with your assessment completely. I had a student who disagreed and asked to state her case and we just stated facts and then she understood and changed her assessment and agreed with mine.
Why he was there is certainly not irrelevant, any more than why violent protestors were there was irrelevant. If he had revealed to people he was with that night that he was hoping to shoot some protestors, that would not have been a great intention to have to offset in court.
But he was a public spirited person whose main goal in life was to help others. His career path included EMT, and something else that was public spirited. Interesting parallel to George Zimmerman, where you have individuals who maybe should have stayed out of harm's way on the days in question, but were people who want to help others and to some degree will take on personal risk to do so. Zimmerman assisted at a Hwy accident shortly after his acquittal.
@@HondoTrailside yeah, I agree. In fact, even though he may have gone there to help, I still think it was a stupid move, especially bringing his rifle. Yeah, like Mas said, being armed in that circumstance is reasonable, but if your only option(especially if you're only 17 with little to no training) is to open carry an AR, then maybe its best to stay home. Especially since his stated reason for being there was to defend the car dealership. My problem with a lot of these people who go out to "counterprotest", or to be helpful, defend buildings, property, peace, etc. and bring their rifles along is, what do they plan on doing if deadly force is not justified? Obviously you can't just shoot someone for breaking into a building or vandalizing cars, and if someone who's unarmed attacks them, or they get into a physical altercation with such a person, what are they going to do? I feel like a lot of these folks just don't think this stuff through, or think about everything that could go wrong. In fact, if Kyle never went that night(or if he had just didn't bring his rifle) almost certainly nobody would have died/got shot.
That's not to say I think it was "all his fault", or that he should have been found guilty. I think the circumstances were just enough on his side that it would be very difficult to find him guilty of murder(or of being an "active shooter" or "mass shooter" or whatever nonsense the prosecutor claimed.)
As for Zimmerman, I tend to disagree. He went after a 17 year old(I think?) unarmed kid, just because he "looked suspicious"(not sure how.) In my personal opinion, he wasn't "just trying to do good", he wanted to play "I'm a cop." He wanted to feel like a badass or hero, despite the police literally telling him _not_ to follow him, or engage him(again, my just my opinion.)
Was he legally justified in shooting Treyvon? I guess...? I don't know. We only have Zimmerman's testimony. So if what he said is true, then yes, a self defense case could be warranted. However, even if he was legally justified, or there was not enough evidence to find him guilty of murder, doesn't mean he isn't "morally guilty", or that he doesn't at least share some of the blame. He introduced a gun to the situation, and chose to emgage/follow the kid.
Not only that, but his actions and some of the this us he's said since the shooting have left me thinking he's kind of a piece of shit.
I disagree with the piece of shit who commented before me.
@@Mockturtlesoup1 "if Kyle never went that night(or if he had just didn't bring his rifle) almost certainly nobody would have died/got shot." WRONG If Kyle had gone there without the rifle... HE WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. Why were those men chasing him??? Because he had a rifle??? NO. They were chasing him because he put out a fire one of them started. They were trying to burn another place down... and he was stopping all their fun. The reason Kyle was there... was because the police and fire departments were told to STAND DOWN and watch the city burn. If YOUR home and/or YOUR business was being set ablaze... and the police and fire department just stood there and explained that they were not allowed to "interfere" with the fun... you would simply hand the rioters some hot dogs and tell them to have fun roasting them over the coals of YOUR properties??? WARS are fought for buildings and properties. And, a riot IS a war.
As a skateboarder, a good board and it’s parts are meant to endure lots of abuse from skating handrails, doing tricks down stairs or gaps and then you have to land back on that board with your bodyweight at full force. You’re damn right a piece of equipment like that can kill you if you Swing it as hard as he was! Kyle’s reactions were 100% self-defense! 🚀✨🚀✨🚀
Totally agree... you get whacked by the edge of one, you are going down. Is was the second story I saw where protesters used a skateboard.
The other case was a person defending a statue and a few protestors started wailing on the person, once in the , and the protestor got in trouble for brandishing a weapon afterwards. I was like :" what the ef"... If you are or were a skater you know those suckers can be deadly. I almost knocked myself out once doing something stupid with a board and it winged around and clipped (we didn't have to wear helmets back then). We chalk that up to learning...I digress. anyway, certainly can be used as a weapon. I don't know what happened in the end to the person defending the statue. The article was already slanted.
As someone who knows getting hit with any fast moving objects with even slightly substantial mass is deadly, I can confirm this is true
Hi, the trucks can do damage as well.
@@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710 Especially if it is a brand like “independent” which is What i skate. They are very robust and beefy.🚀✨🚀✨🚀
Fists and feet can kill you. Especially coming from multiple sources.
When this man speaks, I listen. Such a vast amount of knowledge has been learned from this man. Thank you!!
Great to hear!
Exactly my feelings.
LOL
LOL
Ok Mr. Ayoob you requested a comment. Throughout many videos I hear the seeded words “Critical mass”, self defense, etc. what I notice about you is you are the smartest man in the room. Situational awareness etc. endearing terms for sure. In my town of Beaver Falls PA a beautiful young girl holding her little girls hand was stopped by a young kid 14 years old who asked for a cigarette and she said no, get a job buy your own. He then draws his stolen 44 mag and shoots her in the face dead. Over a .10 cent cigarette. My point will all that I’ve said is reactions, fear, defense all at a culmination of critical mass come together. Obviously the case I mentioned would have been a no brainer but the backlash of self defense swings the legal gavel and the societal gavel just as hard hitting poignant. You’ve profiled many cases on your channel and I’m glad for that but now I don’t want to carry, I don’t even want to leave home. There is an ugly side of defense and the spin doctors who must have their hero’s. I hate anxiety and can’t watch movies with high impact or revenge in them. In short I’m not as afraid of another person as much as I am my own reactions to that situation. For those who want to sling mud at me. I invite you to walk one single mile in my shoes.
Very well said as always... I completely understand why he went and I think anyone who didn't fall for the BS the media and that garbage of a human being DA was saying also understood why he went. If riots erupted in my town and people were burning and looting I'd want to do something about it also we need more Kyle Rittenhouse's in the world...
When anyone talks about Kyle's situation I always have to start by saying first and foremost the government failed the local government abandoned its citizens because of optics. Anyone who talks about crap hit the fan no rule of law bug in situation that is what happened. If the government cant be held accountable then no one who did anything that night should be accountable. Kyle defended his community and did nothing wrong and showed amazing control and judgement.
^^^^^ THIS. The federal government endorsed this insnaity and the local governments abandoned their duty to the citizenry...who were forced to then do their duty for them. Then they have the audacity to blame a kid who did everything in his power to get out of that situation WITHOUT hurting anybody and clearly only did so when he was left with no alternative...the fact that there was a trial was an abomination. Luckily, the system that failed Rittenhouse may not have been on his side, but the citizenry he stuck his neck out for was. There's still hope for this country.
you are very right sir!
Totally. GREE
The US Government offered federal troops to help but the help was denied by the Governor and the City of Kenosha.
I agree. I just made a post under the same understanding. Mr Ayoob was a police officer at one point, and his job was to get in the middle of trouble. Basically looking for trouble.
Some say it was foolish for him to even be there in the first place, much less being armed. But as someone else once said, “All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to stand by and do nothing.” I admire him for having the courage and conviction to act on his principles and for the way he handled himself that night and during the trial.
Absolutely! We need more young men like Kyle Rittenhouse.
Agree. We need to take a stand and I'm gracious that Kyle did.
As I told people: I wouldn't have done what he tried to do, but that's only because he is a better man than I.
Just like the McMichaels in the Arbery case. FOR SURE, after what happened to THEM, if I see someone breaking into an unknown neighbors house, I won't give a FLYING FUCK!
us on the other side see it the same way we see a racist police force occupying communities like in the colonial days and we are standing up against that violently if need be... this isnt black and white theres evil on both sides
Yea, load of garbage that some media or people trying to feed us, they were playing the "foolish = illegal" trick.
Great video ...
Thanks!
Mas, I've been a follower of yours since reading "In the gravest extreme". The local and federal government deserve full credit for the violence that they allowed or even promoted. I did 25+ years in law enforcement, about half as a firearms instructor. I readily concur with your opinion. That young man handled himself well, even during the trial. Thanks Brother for the years of education.
The Biden Administration and the "Nobody's Above the Law" party are the most criminal element I believe that has ever been in d.c.
@@r.a.facklam4851 Amen.
"One man's foolishness is another man's courage and commitment." Well said.
"It is a wise man who knows - where courage ends - and foolish begins"
The important thing is that a precedent was not established that Left fascist rioters have the right to kill anyone they like, for whatever reason, and that the potential victim has no right whatsoever to fight back.
Discretion is the better part of valor.
@@chemicalcowpoke307 Confucius say, "When three man force boy with assault rifle to fight or die, they usually get fight."
@@DrCruel WTF are talking about," Left fascist rioters" You don't even know what fascist mean,
"have the right to kill anyone they like for whatever reason". So what "rioter" killed someone or "thought they could kill ANYONE they LIKE for WHATEVER"?!?! Only people I see getting away with murder are cops and right wingers
"and that the potential victim has no right whatsoever to fight back" You people just say some of the dumbest s**t.
Thank-You, Sir for your excellent analysis of the Rittenhouse case ! YOU ENRICH US ALL !!
Thanks for listening
This man just earned my respect. Erudite, coherent, decisive.
If I had been on the jury and the prosecutor pointed that hopefully unloaded AR-15 in my direction I would have demanded that he be charged with reckless endangerment!
I would of dropped to the jury box floor in a heartbeat, would of made it clear what I thought !!
"What terrible times are these, when a mere prosecutor can wave a weapon around in a courtroom in our justice system!"
#MeToo
I would have also demanded that he be removed immediately by the bailiffs and security IN HANDCUFFS. What a POS he was.
Thank you Massad Ayoob for youre great and wise insight on the hero who stopped an insurrection in a peaceful town in the midwest. If only all could see beyond the media and its lies
Love you massad thanks you for all your teaching 🙏
I was browsing at AR-15s on the net and I was redirected to your channel. I’ve been watching and learning for 3 hours. Your deep and clear voice is so gripping! You sir portray wisdom and grace unparalleled to anyone I’ve ever witnessed! A superb human being! - A new fan
I worked in Kenosha at the time, I followed every thing I watched the whole trail the morning after my son who worked 3rd shift text me don,t go to work ,that's when my son and I got permits and started carrying ever since.Kyle was self defending. Our government let those riots happen. Couple of interesting facts the FBI supplied the prosecutor clear night vision footage that wasn't shown to defense theirs was a low pixel blurry useless version. A couple years prior Jacob Blake was in a bar near my house got into an argument and pulled a gun and the mag fell out and people laughed him out of the bar.
Priceless!😂
It's possible that the gun had a round in the chamber though. 😂😂😂
@@Cybertron824 Some semi-auto's will not fire if the magazine is removed.
You mean the FBI, the top law enforcement agency in our great land, withheld exculpatory evidence from the defendant, who is presumed innocent until proven guilty??!! How could that happen? Wouldn't they lose trust and credibility with their employers? It would be almost as if they had an agenda other than determining the facts to the best of their ability.
@@johnemerson1363 Tell you what, you are correct, so lets put it to your head and find out..... Does your comment look idiotic now???
I thought he showed extreme restraint, one of the things I saw while watching the trial that absolutely blew my mine is when the Prosecutor pointed the gun at the jury.
Many police and soldiers would have shot those thugs repeatedly if they were in Rittenhouse's shoes. He's definitely a cool customer compared to most people.
@@taraswertelecki9586 cops do it almost at every shooting.
If that prosecutor would have pointed a gun at me that whole place would erupted guaranteed never flag another human being that judge would have been making sure something happened with that one
@@perrylc8812 cops do what at every shooting? trying to clarify your statement
@@apistune shoot people repeatedly, ie "mag dumps ".
An excellent analysis. As a retired LEO, I was afraid that Kyle Rittenhouse was doomed to be a victim of the left.
The only thing that I can fault Kyle for is being young and enthusiastic for his beliefs. As a young man he was turning his enthusiasm to helping in what seemed the best way to him.
I hope all of his lawsuits against the leaders of the left and the media are successful and well published.
Mr Elliott,
I can find no fault with him. Enthusiasm is what lead you to become a law enforcement officer. Think about it. Your job was to look for trouble, and to put yourself in the middle of it. I was 18 when I went into the Marine Corps. My job was an Infantry Rifleman. It literally says we have to look for trouble as our mission. I was 19 when I went into combat. I was 2 years older than Mr Rittenhouse. They never tell you the cost of your decision.
Thank you for your service.
All it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.
IDIOT.. its not left vs right, its right vs wrong... He is guilty as sin and now will be hailed a hero from all the loons out there.
@Backup Bottle Boss A lot of departments hire guys that are great at following orders of their chain of command, and not at following the law. The police department in Kenosha had a job they neglected because of the brass. Remember not one cop went in to put order back. The brass also placated to the politicians. I don't know about you, and this maybe Monday morning quarterbacking, but I would have defied the orders, and found similar people to go in with me. I would take being fired for doing my job over the city burning. I will catch flack for this, but I know through experience I would. This evidence comes from my past experiences in combat. Being outnumbered in a city that hates you, and is willing to rain lead, rockets, IEDs, mortors at your location is nothing new for me. Strictly the orders from higher in the Kenosha Police were unlawful orders. What happened to the Police Officers running into a fire fight? What happened to their bravery as the city burned? I think the public would have forgiven them if they actually did their jobs. It's too bad a 17 year old had to do their jobs. The trial wasn't about him. It was about how this 17 year old embarrassed the politicians and the police. How dare a 17 year old male make the government look bad? The trial didn't disappoint either. The prosecutors had egg on their face.
I have read your writings from many magazines, articles and different sources, now on these videos and I never cease to be amazed at your knowledge and ability to articulate your thoughts to the layman like myself. Thank You.
This was a GREAT explanation of the whole episode. Being a Vietnam infantry guy I am not going to go into a situation like this. I am not going the “answer the Panther” unless he forces me. Kyle did and with good, peaceful intentions. He was, in my opinion, wise to go armed. If you are going to go to a riot to try to HELP people, you still may need a firearm. Its better to have one and not need it than to need one and not have it. I think Mr Ayoob’s comments are ALL correct and I believe that the outcome of the trial was correct in all regards. Do not try to kill an armed man is one lesson people might take to heart. I believe that Mr Rittenhouse showed extreme restraint in not killing everyone who attacked him. He simply stopped the immediate threat. Given my background from my younger days I am not sure I would have done as well in this respect as this young man did. I am certainly glad I did not find myself in his situation. In the end shooting people is bad for everyone involved. I hope Mr Rittenhouse suffers not “after effects” from all this.
For a young person, Kyle Ritenhouse showed exceptional maturity, focus, and restraint in the situation as he faced it. Heck, I am 65, and I don't know if I could respnd as well as Rittenhouse!
Thank you for your service!
I appreciate your continual service sir. Having retired from an injury, I have become the guy “in the rear with the gear”. My comment is not about K Rittenhouse but directed at you.
I simply say thank you and know that another guy with a little grey showing appreciates you.
Spot on Massad! I’m glad you did an analysis on this event. It’s important to look at these cases and learn the positive as well as the negative from them.
Thank you!
What a great factual rundown of the case. He included all of the relevant points and his analysis was matter-of-fact.
Excellent and Outstanding!!! Thank You, Massad.
I've seen every scrap of video and followed this story from literally the moment I saw it on live stream. Your summarization of the events was extremely well articulated, simple, concise, and factual. It was a very pleasant video to listen to.
I was sitting at an outdoor bar in Cozumel a few years ago and a few uniformed Mexican cops sat next to me and had a few drinks.
The one closest to me had his rifle slung across his back and the barrel was pointed right at my head while he had a beer😳😳
I didn’t dare complain. Lol
Thank you, Mas. Your analysis is definitely on point, and worth remembering in unsettled times.
wow so much detail that never was on the news , keep up the good work Mr. ayoob
Thank you, Mr. Ayoob. I have "been a student" of your's for several years. And I always recommend that my firearms students become a "student of your's", as well. I think this is the best opinion piece that I have watched.
Always love the content from Mr. Ayoob. Thank you.
Mas, thank you for the lesson on when to stop shooting. I've heard similar explanations of Kyle's innocence from others, but not "stop shooting when the threat stops". That's critical to ingrain in our minds.
Mr. Ayoub is quite the professional. My thoughts as a retired 20 year U.S. Army Vietnam veteran are these. Do we want to confront danger? No, of course not. But sometimes when others run and hide a meager few step up and draw a line in the sand and say "No further!" The military is one group, the police are another and sometimes its the average citizen who realizes "If not me to protect my loved ones, then who?"
"Do we want to confront danger? No, of course not." LOL. Meanwhile in pesky ol reality land, Kyle left home wander across state lines looking for danger, and brought a gun because he intended to shoot someone as soon as he found the chance. He's nothing more than a poster child for bad parenting, and you ammosexuals fantasize about being him because you wish you could get away with murdering your fellow Americans just like he did.
Self defense is self defense
and the stupity of youth is the stupidity of youth.
He stood up when others didn’t and in the light that local authorities (etc.) couldn’t or wouldn’t control or extinguish the hellacious riots.
Yup. Read my longer post on this point. The Kenosha PD deliberately allowed the town to turn into a bucket of gasoline and that halfwit hospital dropped a lit match into it shaped like Rosenbaum, complete with a total lack of his bipolar meds.
But instead they tried to blame it all on a 17 year old kid.
@@1jimmarch; My thoughts exactly. I believe the whole city, government of Kenosha, well, some of them, are Narcissistic in the extreme.
Sometimes there is a price for doing what is right. Especially when one's society starts getting chaotic and evil.
And what the fuck …does killing people make it right ?
@@danbailey96 He killed people who were actively trying to murder him with zero justification on their part.
Self defense is a thing.
Massed, I have followed your work over the years In it’s many formats and always learn something of value. Your opinion on the subject of Rittenhouse is no exception to that. Thank you.
Much appreciated
Good judgement and opinion by this intelligent and absolute guru.
I couldn’t agree more with your breakdown of that entire situation
Never heard of you until a guy I watched named Paul Harrell mentioned you in one of his videos. Glad I checked you out. I just subscribed.
Paul and Massad are the ONLY two gun people who's opinions matter to me. All the rest I take with a bag of salt, instead of a grain..............................................................
The prosecutor should have the life sued out of him for malicious prosecution: it was quite plain from the beginning that the evidence did not support the charges.
When you don't have much of a case, what else are you supposed to do?
@Tom Gulbranson If the prosecutor is assigned the case, that may not be an option for him. But then again, I'm no lawyer.
@Tom Gulbranson Well then whoever made the decision, whether the prosecutor, or someone above him, should be held responsible. I just don't believe in holding people responsible for tasks they had no choice in. That's like getting angry at the cashier for the store's return policy.
@@adammathers4879 Theoretically, the DA being told to charge a malicious case should refuse under ethics guidelines, and report the command to charge to the bar association for review.
Public opinion demanded a trial. To not prosecute was the correct legal thing, but at least fifty million Americans needed to see this kid go on trial. They needed to see the correct outcome, and they did. Look at the lack of competence we saw in Prosecutor Thomas Binger. They were doing all they could to make sure the kid walked. There were so many "blunders" and things that just looked like if this judge doesn't stop this the kid will be free on appeal. The way the trial was conducted there was no way 12 people would find him guilty and then an appeals court would still find him guilty. I still feel sorry for the kid. That's a tough thing to live through.
Good show
As always, a concise, accurate and useful presentation. Thank you.
The wisdom of entering the situation aside, he acted almost perfectly as if he had gone through police or combat training.
I pray I never am in such a situation, but if I am, I hope to perform as well as Kyle did.
Good motivation to continue to train!
Or maybe Rittenhouse didn't want to be righteous and just wanted to walk around w/ his gun , at night during a mass protest and riotters , yelling medico. When a suicidal person saw what must have looked like a scared 17 year old w/ his AR, telling Rittenhouse to shoot him, that's what happened. Then people who see a kid start shooting people who was unarmed try to stop Rittenhouse, he shot them as well. If Rittenhouse simply wanted to clean up the area after the protest , he could have done that during the day, when the SUN was out. Instead he brought a gun to a violital situation. And killed two people. One who was a scumbag but also didn't get the mental health treatment needed. Cause again this is the USA.
Funny how it was ok for Rittenhouse to protect himself but not others who just saw a kid shoot and kill two others.
@@monotech20.14 Not funny at all!Had the other guy shot him first,it would have self-defense also!But very often,the stupid are the lucky ones!
@@pebo8306 I beg to differ. Kyle was at the time trying to leave the location. The guy that leveled the weapon at him was a prohibited person from owning much less carrying a gun. Kyle did not level his gun at the pistol wielding felon until he was in danger. If Kyle had eaten the built from the felon, the felon would have to prove he was in direct danger of harm from Kyle which the video would have shown he was not. I am still wondering why the felon has not been prosecuted for being in possession of a weapon.
@@joshuathomas8529 What makes you think Mr.Großkreuz was a felon?Never mentioned anywhere!Opposite to Rittenhouse,he was a real EMT!
Thank you for your thoughtful assessment and insight of this event. I appreciate your experience and candor.
Mr. Ayoob, thank you for commenting on this case. Your final statements are wise and well placed.
JM
Thanks Massad...some of the best, most succinct commentary on the trial that I have heard to-date. Your background in tactics, law enforcement and the law lends a lot of perspective and wisdom to the events. I'd like to hear your opinion on Rittenhouse's very effective use of the rifle, not just from a restraint perspective, but from a noob shooter in a first-time stress-shooting perspective. He appeared to display a lot of very mature talents and decisions when by all rights he didn't have the training or experience to posses them.
Thank you! I never watched the trial because all news stations break too often for dramatic inserts. All I wanted to know was what happened. You laid it out perfectly (IMHO) and concisely. He probably shouldn’t have been out there but these days we all want to do our part some way but are told to stay inside and eat popcorn. We want this done! So I get his going into this thing as he did.
Why would you go out to a riot?
Effectively you would be making a public disturbance bigger by your presence.
I hope your superpower is calming an angry mob who are deliberately inflamed by thieves looking for motor easy takings.
Also noteworthy, the vaporized bicep guy, did try to shoot Rittenhouse after getting to the curb he sat on after being shot. The round misfired and was then cleared from the chamber, it was found on the ground near the pistol. How Rittenhouse's attorneys didn't expand or see that I have no idea. But they missed that although it was mentioned in the trial.
And one satisfactory note, the poop head that had his bicep blown off had to enter the witness protection program and one night, as he tried to cross a road, a black guy in a car ran him over. He was in the hospital with a lacerated liver along with some other injuries. Verse in the Bible...."Be not deceived, God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap."
Justice delivered! In Minneapolis blacks and everyone else had AK-47s and other guns in front of businesses. The Minneapolis Police gave guns back to people who were not allowed to have guns, i.e. illegal guns, during the looting and arson. In St. Paul they still just confiscate guns at traffic stops from people who cannot legally possess a gun!! No charges or arrests of the illegal gun possessor!!
I'm gonna go WAY out on a limb and guess that Kyle's lawyers ignored that fact because it shows Kyle shot first...this shit aint rocket science folks.
Liberals can't discern reality because they don' t do their own independent research., they are a cult who just believe the narrative the enemy tells them to believe in cabal controlled mainstream media.
If they watched the actual trial start to finish there would be no doubt in their minds Kyle wasted all the right people at the right times for a perfect case of self defense. And due to all the footage, the jury was basically able to be there to see it all unfold with their own eyes.
@@TwoTreesStudiothe bicep guy actually pointed a handgun at the back of Kyle’s head “execution style” when Kyle spun around and vaporized the bicep
I appreciate your knowledge and telling it like it is!
He was the only one charged with a crime as far as I know. I personally would be someplace else. He is a stand-up individual.. I was a politically motivated prosecution on part of the DA The Judge had it pegged as such and since it's Wisconsin where deer hunting is pretty much a religion, Most have no problems with guns. The Video showed what occurred. The jury could not find any other matter. Kyle is going to have to live with this for the rest of his life. It's good that he came out of it ok. He still spent way too much time in jail for something that criminal charges should have never been brought in the first place. We can not allow politics into the courtroom.
They did later charge the rioter who shot before Kyle did and who was with the convicted pedophile with arson, I'm guessing to prevent him from testifying in that trial due to having rights to not self incriminate.
The very first time I saw part of the video I thought Man, if every cop and individual gun owner had this kid's amount of self control with his weapons handling, the world would be a safer place.
That kid showed way more self control than most adults including myself if I was in a situation like that.
Total operator.
There's a reason very few people choose to put themselves in a situation so mind-blowingly stupid.
I've been carrying for over a decade now and will never stop learning!! I appreciate so much Massad's experience and comments on so many different things ! I'm also part of a safety team in a large church ! I've always pushed the guys to be alert ro every thing around you. You don't have to look like a detective, but smile and greet people but always on alert !!!
Clear and concise explanation. Kudos!
Refreshing to hear the truth!
Excellent overview. Much of what Massad says here is what I had figured on my own. And props for the Ogden Nash, one of my favorites.
Great content. Great insight, information and advice.
Excellent
My favorite part was when the judge laid into the prosecutor. Also, when the Gage Grosskreutz confirmed that he was shot only when he pointed his own weapon at Kyle and you just saw the prosecution team put their heads in their hands. They knew the case was a slam dunk for the defense.
I was able to view the original videos from, several sources, of Kyle’s actions. Before TH-cam removed them.
Colion Noir ,also a lawyer, provided his commentary.
The jury rendered the correct judgment.
Yep. Removing content in the name of fairness, is removing history. None of it is done in good will.
Sir, read your books as a kid and they helped me when I had to defend people in Afghanistan. I live in the General area you do and have been trying to get an autograph. Not because I collect autographs are anything like that, but because I respect your advice I received by reading your books. I had a 7th grade teacher see me reading your book once and he knew about it. He told me, don't let this teacher or that one see you with it. He gave me a copy of one of your other books at the end of the year. Kinda funny because he and I still email back and forth. If you have info on where I can send something to get autographed I'd appreciate it.
You're still the King Mas! Please keep bringing truth and wisdom.
Perhaps the question is not “should he have stayed away?” but rather “why can’t more of us commit as Kyle did when our cities and neighborhoods are in danger?” After all…a well regulated militia, being necessary to a free state (sound familiar?) sometimes has to be engaged. If the people cannot be compelled to take action the words are just words.
Absent a complete breakdown in lawful authority, it becomes legally murky to act in defense of the community at large in such a way.
If I heard something going on at my next door neighbor's house, would I aid them? Absolutely. If I were asked by a friend to defend their specific property or place of business, yes. If a clear and present danger exists or you are specifically asked to assist it is harder for a prosecutor to infer you are acting as a vigilante. Fortunately in Rittenhouse's case the jury rejected that argument, but one has to weigh the potential consequences in that situation. The further you are from your own property the greater legal hazard you potentially place yourself in unless a situation of general civil unrest exists.
In far left commie run Massachusetts just brandishing a weapon = prison time.
@@bart99gt if that riot wasnt an example of 'absent lawful authority' that what would be?
@@bart99gt The 2020 riots WERE a complete breakdown of lawful authority. Those people were in complete anarchy, as was Kyle. What those towns have been doing is
Step 1: Sew racial division
Step 2: Abandon entire town and let anarchists destroy infrastructure
Step 3: Arrest anyone who tries to stop said anarchists and put them in prison as possible insurrectionists.
Lawful authority doesn't exist anymore. It's anarchotyranny
@@bart99gt I agree. The situation is, at best, legally murky and that is one big reason the hands of well intentioned citizens are tied in any attempt to take action to correct legal or moral wrongs....especially en masse. The insurgents - and the mega bureaucracy behind them - count on this legal mire to suppress us.
So at what point do we stand in the streets shoulder to shoulder against these insurgents? This clearly is the moral imperative, but it is a tough threshold to cross...as it was for those men that stood at Lexington green. I don't know the answers, but it seems to me that if things continue as they are there will be a time when we must exercise our moral obligations and engage our militia rights...not just to buy guns and keep them in closets in our homes.
He knew how to provide aid, assist lawfully and protect himself when a domestic terror cell was operating to kill him
When are we going to hold the DNC responsible for the terrorists being on the street? They were supporting the terrorists.
Mad respect for his trigger discipline, his personal integrity and phenomenal resilience and focus after several blows to the head 👏 👍 😀
The best course for Kyle was to tell him he can help, but secure the weapon and stay on my six and do not get more than a foot from me. Think of his mother did she know he was in harms way with no one taking charge of her child. Yeah I was in the Army.
Cell? These are System-sanctioned soldiers, man. They had the FULL backing of not only the media (which is extremely powerful, perhaps even more than government in many respects) and the State. He was fighting the domestic military wing of the "deep state," "globohomo," whatever you wanna call it.
Mas, this has been one of the most insightful, concise and thought-provokig videos I've ever seen concerning a shooting incident. Not saying it to stroke an ego, because you've been a true professional ever since I've read your first articles. The analysis followed a lot of what was going thru my mind as I sat watching it in real time with my wife. Yes, at 17 he definitely should have stayed home, and lives will never be the same. But his intent was evident from the initial viewing to me. His control was stunning under that pressure in a first-time real world shoot/don't scenario. And I had to marvel at his innocent trust as he walked towards the officers in that highly charged situation with his hands raised. Those of us that have been there understand the chaos and maelstrom of emotions to contain. .. the inevitable "what else could I have done?" You've tried to instill that in millions of readers, officers and students, for that I thank you. Too bad millions more won't take the time to listen.
Agreed. I think you be interested in the youtube group informally called "lawtube" - who generally orbit the one known as Pope Rackets (Rekieta Law) who's livestreams often include Andrew Branca, mentioned by Ayoob early in this video. 👍
I agree with everything that Massad wrote except the part about staying home. That whole summer I was waiting for an army of law-abiding, armed citizens to take on some of the arsonists, looters and rioters especially in all the towns where politicians had the police stand down. I really wanted to see someone pop a rioter that was fixin' to lob a molotov cocktail at a building or people trying to protect their property. I'd sure hate to see people get shot but if I were lobbing those cocktails myself or looting I should expect someone to end my life. .
@@joeswinsick8977 agreed. "Staying home" and playing it safe is how we got into this mess (10% lunatics essentially running the country). Naive as Kyle was, he was doing the right thing and should serve as an example for all Americans. Let us learn from the mistakes, and remain true to the founding spirit. 🇺🇸
I was floored when that prosecutor grabbed that ar, bolt closed , no flag in the chamber and heald it above the head of the jury to scare the crap outta them. If I was the the defense attorney I would have screamed at him for that. Way to many safety violations were ignored there. Yes its not suppose to have ammo in it but ask Baldwin about that.
If an average citizen did that it would be aggravated assault
You Damnnnnnnnnnn right about that. @@portersorensen8814
Justice delivered! In Minneapolis blacks and everyone else had AK-47s and other guns in front of businesses. The Minneapolis Police gave guns back to people who were not allowed to have guns, i.e. illegal guns, during the looting and arson. In St. Paul they still just confiscate guns at traffic stops from people who cannot legally possess a gun!! No charges or arrests of the illegal gun possessor!!
Wow, it's almost as if y'all ammosexuals' gun range rules aren't applicable in courtrooms or movie sets.
yes, a good attorney knowing firearms well could have interrupted that safety failure of the prosecutor, or waited until finished and then ask for the rifle. Show , and ask the jury why would you listen to a maniac that just pointed a rifle at you in court ?! Unacceptable for any reason, proving prosecution is invalid and out of control. What else will you get wrong, and how else can you show your ignorance against the defendant?! Then take the rifle and demonstrate proper safe handling and refer to a 'blue' gun if you don't have one.
If you need an attorney, be sure they are very capable to handle your secific situation. I once had a simple easy shooting/safety case where someone injured me. I LOST the case because my attorney was ignorant and knew only a fraction of what I did. Mistakingly, I used him not because he was the best person for the job but because I had already employed him for something else.
"....knowing when to cease fire is every bit as important as knowing when to start..."
There are no truer words regarding violent action/reaction.
Cheers from Texas.
I think that was... "as knowing when to start."
@@waynehendrix4806 haha.... Yeah, typo.
My comments are about the situation (videos) - not the trial. I was MOST impressed with Kyle's weapon handling. When he fell, he maintained control of his weapon and Situational Awareness. His skills saved his life against a drawn weapon. His effort to get with the Police, having just killed two thugs showed maturity well beyond his years. I wonder when and where he got any previous training. Any insights? Any course recommendations? I'm watching more of the WILSON COMBAT videos! Thanks for sharing these valuable lessons.
As my dad would say, “That’s sage advice, and you would be wise to listen.”
Excellent video, probably the most concise and effective summary of the event on TH-cam. The question as to whether he should have even been there seems to be the only issue of debate in the issue, and I'd like to posit this: Kyle worked in Kenosha, had friends and family in Kenosha, and probably spent as much or more of his time in Kenosha than his home town in Illinois. Kenosha is as much HIS community as anyone else, therefore when Kyle's community was under attack, in the absence of help from his state government, he had every right (and some may say responsibility) to be present and armed to defend Kenosha.
Thanks Massad! Great video with lots of solid information! 👍🏼
And I definitely agree with what you expressed here. I watched all of the trial! I was actually surprised the prosecutor even went after Kyle, it then he might not have had a choice from the DA.
I don't know how anyone could watch the video footage of the entire sequence of events (lucky for him, it exists) and say that any of the shots KR fired were not fired in self defense.
You dont have to like Kyle to think he is innocent
@@Thisisoscar_ You also don't have to think he's guilty (under backwards ass red state laws ofc) to see that he intentionally caused the whole problem by making a road trip to go wave a gun around. If he's somehow "innocent" then that says more about the need for national-level gun law reform than it does about Kyle doing right vs wrong.
@@TwoTreesStudiokyles presence didn't cause those deaths, it was the people that attacked him that caused everything. Quit victim blaming, the facts have been present for years now. You have no reason to continue being wrong
Thank You For Your Truth Testimony!
When I saw the video, I could not believe how perfectly Rittenhouse reacted, as you said he shot to stop the threat, thats all. Tried to do everything he could to escape the threat. We all know he was in fear for his life. With that much adrenaline going through you being chased by a mob, amazing restraint was shown. Some of the clearest video evidence of self defense I have ever seen. Imagine how long he would have been locked up if the videos did not exist.
That's what scared me the most, that Rittenhouse would have been sentenced to a long prison term if it wasn't for the video. The media and the courts already had him convicted. The amount of hate directed at him was unbelievable. Whoopi Goldberg was screaming for his head on a daily basis and she influences a lot of people. I'm impressed that Rittenhouse did what he felt was right, but I would never get involved. Too much to lose. And it wasn't just prison, he could have been beaten so badly that he'd have been crippled for life or killed. I'll stay home with my rifle loaded and take care of me and mine.
Mass, I know your advise is spot on legally speaking.
However, somebody had to stand up at this moment and time in our history.
I think it's sad that it took a 17-year-old boy to do it, while grown men were afraid to ANTHER.
I so appreciate your having the courage to defend truly principled thinking. I agree completely!
I thought you were spot on with your evolution of Kyle's situation, common sense and knowledge of the laws, good job.
I agree 100 percent with Massad! Well done.
"All evil needs to triumph is for good men to do nothing"
What are going on about? You're making Rittenhouse, the little runt, into a hero? Just because he was found not guilty, doesn't mean he isn't an immature, stupid little crybaby who had no business there playing tough guy.
Brilliant analysis as always by Mr Ayoob. I was heartened by the jury verdict, and the sense they showed. I think Americans are more and more realizing the irrationality of the Gun Control fanatics. Used to be most every one whether they disagreed or not with some one, gave consideration to their opinions. I think that ship has sank on the Gun Control crowd as I hear most people I know who USED to believe in the fiction of "common sense gun laws" refute the statements of the control crowds, and applaud those from free-minded Liberty loving Americans.
This man is a national treasure. Period.
A thorough and well-reasoned synopsis of an otherwise highly editorialized event. Thank you.
Kyle did what needed to be done under the circumstances. The Prosecuter should be arrested for unlawful prosecution.
I think that was the DA's call not the prosecutor's although he was obviously full on board with it.
@@haroldwilkes6608 No Binger was given the choice to take on the case and he took it. He wanted to prosecute because he seriously in his mind thought Kyle was guilty lol.
@@guyfanno1 And who gave him the choice? He had political aspirations and justice for Kyle was the furthest thing from his mind, he wanted to ride a cause celebre into the DA's office and didn't care how he got there. Kyle received justice despite Binger's efforts to manipulate the trial and, in the end, Binger received justice too.
You failed to mention that the dude instinctively cleared a misfeed by jabbing the forward assist at one point - saving his life.
The whole video sequence was awesome but, upon seeing that in the midst of the MOB ATTACK he was facing told us that boy is something special!
That was amazing.
@@notmyname3883 His presence of mind in that was amazing. Sometimes I wonder if he had spiritual assistance.
What a great weapon.
@supersonic key lime pie Other guns don't have that problem, that's what makes the thing a POS!!
@supersonic key lime pie Not as much as to put a piece of metal on the side for when it does.
The cross examination of Prosecution's witness Gaige Grosskreutz was absolutely amazing if you know a thing or 2 about trials.
When Kyle's lawyer got him to admit that he didn't get shot until he was aiming his gun at Kyle, I was like "that should be 'trial's over'".
Best defense witness ever.
As a retired LEO, you're spot on. Please kee up the good work.