Career Timeline of Kyle Rittenhouse: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Kyle Rittenhouse built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kyle Rittenhouse is an American man who, at 17, shot three men (two fatally) in Kenosha, Wisconsin, during 2020 protests following the shooting of Jacob Blake. Rittenhouse, armed and among a group claiming to protect businesses, engaged in confrontations, fatally shooting two men attempting to disarm him, and wounding another who aimed a handgun. Charged with homicide, Rittenhouse argued self-defense at trial and was acquitted in November 2021. As of February 2023, he faces two pending civil lawsuits.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

March 2020: Furloughed from YMCA Lifeguard Job

In March 2020, Kyle Rittenhouse was furloughed from his part-time job as a lifeguard at the YMCA in Lindenhurst due to the COVID-19 pandemic leading to public facility shutdowns.

November 17, 2021: Internship Offers from Republican Lawmakers

On November 17, 2021, two days before the verdict in his trial, Florida House Representative Matt Gaetz offered Kyle Rittenhouse an internship. Other Republican lawmakers, including Paul Gosar, Madison Cawthorn, and Lauren Boebert, also offered internships. Cori Bush called for their expulsion.

January 2022: Considering Writing a Book

In January 2022, Kyle Rittenhouse's spokesman, David Hancock, stated that Rittenhouse was considering writing a book about his experiences, describing it as an "unorthodox journey into adulthood," with discussions in the early phase.

February 2022: Launch of the Media Accountability Project

In February 2022, Kyle Rittenhouse announced the launch of the Media Accountability Project (TMAP) during an interview on Tucker Carlson Tonight.

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June 23, 2022: Announced 'Kyle Rittenhouse's Turkey Shoot' Video Game

On June 23, 2022, Kyle Rittenhouse announced a video game called "Kyle Rittenhouse's Turkey Shoot," developed by Mint Studios, with proceeds intended to fund future media defamation lawsuits. The game features a cartoon Rittenhouse shooting turkeys that represent the media.

October 16, 2022: Launch of YouTube Channel

On October 16, 2022, Kyle Rittenhouse launched a YouTube channel focused on guns and the Second Amendment. His first video featured him firing a handgun and an automatic rifle and included YouTube gun advocate Brandon Herrera as a guest. The video was later deleted, and the channel became dormant.

November 2022: Rittenhouse Meets with Second Amendment Caucus

In November 2022, Kyle Rittenhouse met with Republican House of Representative members of the Second Amendment Caucus in Washington D.C. to discuss his experiences and answer questions. Caucus members present included Reps. Lauren Boebert, Thomas Massie, Andrew Clyde, and Byron Donalds.

August 2023: Formation of the Rittenhouse Foundation

In August 2023, Kyle Rittenhouse formed the Rittenhouse Foundation, a Texas-based non-profit organization aimed at protecting legal rights. The organization's filing includes wording from the Second Amendment. Chris McNutt, president of Texas Gun Rights, is a director of the foundation.

December 2023: Release of "Acquitted"

In December 2023, Kyle Rittenhouse's book, "Acquitted," co-authored with Mark Richards and Michael Quinn Sullivan, was released. Richards was Rittenhouse's lead defense lawyer, and Sullivan was the CEO of former conservative advocacy group Empower Texans.

KYLE RITTENHOUSE ACQUITTED

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June 2024: Named Outreach Director for Texas Gun Rights

In June 2024, Kyle Rittenhouse was named the outreach director for Texas Gun Rights, a state affiliate of the National Association for Gun Rights.

February 2025: Rittenhouse Speaks at University of Memphis

In late February 2025, Kyle Rittenhouse returned to the University of Memphis and spoke to about 40 people without interruptions, answering questions afterwards while protestors gathered outside. The speaking event was sponsored by Turning Point USA.