Kyle Rittenhouse's family selling branded merchandise to raise $2M for teen's defense fund
KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The family of Kyle Rittenhouse is selling branded merchandise to raise money for his defense.
Rittenhouse is the 17-year-old, Illinois teen accused of killing two men, and injuring a third, during summer protests in Kenosha.
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The new goal is another $2 million.
And as of this story, more than $43,000 had been raised.
Jackets, crop tops, hats and bikini's are some of the items for sale.
According to the website, the site and the money raised are controlled by his mother, Wendy.
“It speaks volumes to who they are, frankly," said attorney Kimberley Motley.
Motley represents Gaige Grosskreutz, the wounded survivor of the August unrest shooting.
“I think it’s absolutely disgusting that they would do this before Christmas, keeping in mind that there are two families that aren’t going to have their loved ones, for the first time, for this Christmas," she added.
John Pierce, Rittenhouse’s civil attorney, criticized critiques of the website’s purpose.
Answering questions via email, he wrote: "I cannot conceive of why a 17-year old who simply defended himself and is being wrongfully charged in a blatantly political prosecution would be criticized for raising money for his legal defense and costs."
He also added, “We hope the additional $2 million will be sufficient, but there is no way to know for sure. If we need to raise more, we will raise more.”
Rittenhouse is charged with two homicides, attempted intentional homicide and other related counts.
His attorneys say he acted in self-defense.
If convicted, Rittenhouse faces life in prison.
He is set to be arraigned on January 5.