Prosecutors seek to modify Kyle Rittenhouse s bond agreement after they say he displayed racist signs

World

Prosecutors are asking the Kenosha County Circuit Court to modify the bond conditions of Kyle Rittenhouse, who is facing homicide charges in the death of two men during protests last August, according to a motion filed by the Kenosha County District Attorney s Office on Wednesday.

The office is requesting that Rittenhouse be prohibited from possessing or consuming alcohol or being in any establishment that serves it; be prohibited from making any public display of any "white power" or "white supremacy" signs, symbols, or hand gestures; and not have any contact with any known militia members or members of any violent white power/white supremacist groups including the group identified as the "Proud Boys."

The 17-year-old is out on a US $2 million bail after being arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in Kenosha. Rittenhouse is alleged to have been in the midst of protests that had broken out in the Wisconsin city over the police shooting of Jacob Blake , and authorities allege he fired at protesters.

Rittenhouse was arraigned January 5 on two felony charges of homicide in the deaths of two men and a felony attempted homicide charge in the wounding of another man.

According to prosecutors, Rittenhouse was seen at a local bar with his mother about 90 minutes after the arraignment, and his presence and behavior were confirmed by surveillance video.

Rittenhouse was seen with other individuals flashing "the OK sign, which has been co-opted as a sign of white power by known white supremacist groups," and was "directly served a beer by the bartender," the motion said.

The document also states that Rittenhouse turned 18 this month and lives in Illinois. "Under Illinois law, it is a Class A Misdemeanor for anyone under the age of 21 to possess or consume alcohol in a public place," the motion states.

In Wisconsin, however, it is legal for someone under the age of 21 to possess and consume alcohol if a parent is present.

Prosecutors are also asking the court to "prohibit the defendant from publicly displaying symbols and gestures that are associated with violent white supremacist groups and from associating with known members of those groups, particularly the Proud Boys" -- as they believe it could result in potential witness intimidation.