Defense attorney Mark Richards spoke to the media on the high-profile verdict after the jury found 18-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty on all charges.
"To say that we were relieved would be a gross misunderstatement," Richards said. "Kyle is not here. He's on his way home. He wants to get on with his life."
Richards noted that Rittenhouse's legal defense team and the teen are "happy that the jury took the time to put in an incredible amount of effort," noting: "There were times we doubted the case. There were times we were confident."
"He has a huge sense of relief," Richards said of Rittenhouse's reaction to the acquittal. "What the jury did to him today, he wishes none of this would have ever happened. But as he said when he testified, he did not start this."
The defense lawyer added that "we're thankful in more ways than one that the jury finally got to hear the true story. When I say the media [...] the story that came out from the beginning was not the true story. That was something that we had to work to overcome in court, and we think we did that."
In addition, Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Gravely issued a formal statement on the trial's outcome, saying that the prosecutors "respect the jury verdict based on three and a half days of careful deliberations."
"Certainly, issues regarding the privilege of self-defense remains highly contentious in our times," the DA statement continued. "We ask all members of the public accept the verdicts peacefully and not resort to violence."
Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger, who faced intense criticism for his handling of the case, vowed days ago he would not comment after the verdict.
President Joe Biden also responded to the verdict via press statement.
"While the verdict in Kenosha will leave many Americans feeling angry and concerned, myself included, we must acknowledge that the jury has spoken," Biden stated in a press release. "I ran on a promise to bring Americans together, because I believe that what unites us is far greater than what divides us."
Biden echoed statements he said to reporters earlier, signaling that "he stand[s] by what the jury has concluded. The jury system works, and we have to abide by it."
"I know that we're not going to heal our country's wounds overnight, but I remain steadfast in my commitment to do everything in my power to ensure that every American is treated equally, with fairness and dignity, under the law," he added.
"I urge everyone to express their views peacefully, consistent with the rule of law. Violence and destruction of property have no place in our democracy. The White House and Federal authorities have been in contact with Governor Evers's office to prepare for any outcome in this case, and I have spoken with the Governor this afternoon and offered support and any assistance needed to ensure public safety."
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said that the Biden administration has been in communication with local law enforcement channels to ensure that whatever protests occur following the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict remain "peaceful."
Ahead of the anticipated verdict, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced last Friday that he has authorized around 500 Wisconsin Army National Guard troops to support law enforcement authorities policing expected protests in Kenosha.
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