Kenosha police make 2 arrests outside courthouse during Rittenhouse trial

KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Law enforcement made two arrests outside the Kenosha County Courthouse on Wednesday, Nov. 17, as the Kyle Rittenhouse trial went on inside the building.

In a joint statement from the Kenosha Police Department and the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department, authorities said they took two people into custody regarding an incident that occurred on the courthouse steps. Officers arrested a 20-year-old male for battery, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. A 34-year-old female was arrested for disorderly conduct.

CBS 58 cameras were rolling during the arrests, which happened just before 4 p.m.

But up until that point, demonstrations outside the courthouse were kept civil. Despite their differences, most protesters want to keep the peace.

"I don't necessarily agree with 'Free Kyle,' but I do agree that if people want to chant and say it, then they have the rights to," said Justin Samuelson.

Some protesters said the three men left Rittenhouse no choice but to shoot them.

"I believe in what that kid did," one man told CBS 58. "I think they ought to give the kid a pat on the back, give him his weapons back, tell him 'job well done.'"

But others gathered on the steps hope the lesser charges may provide more opportunities for conviction.

"What we saw was two people killed. The verdict must show some accountability for the loss of life," said Bishop Tavis Grant, national director for the Rainbow Push Coalition.

Most people gathered on the courthouse steps are just waiting for the case to come to a close.

"(Rittenhouse) was young. His mom should never have brought him up here. He shouldn't have been up here, but in the end, I think it is a little bit of self-defense," James Huard said.

Several people told CBS 58 they're glad jury deliberations are taking a while because it means the jury is working to find the right verdict, no matter what that may be.