Kyle Rittenhouse Net Worth 2024- Career, Wife, Age, Height, and …
Kyle Rittenhouse became a household name in August 2020 when, at just 17 years old, he shot three men during protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, killing two of them. The incident and subsequent trial captivated the nation, with Rittenhouse becoming a polarizing figure – viewed as either a reckless vigilante or a patriot acting in self-defense.
His acquittal on all charges in November 2021 only intensified the controversy surrounding him. Since then, Rittenhouse has embraced his newfound fame in conservative circles, becoming an outspoken advocate for gun rights and a symbol of the political divide in America. This blog post will examine Rittenhouse’s background, the Kenosha shootings, and his life after the trial that thrust him into the national spotlight.
Who is Kyle Rittenhouse?
Kyle Howard Rittenhouse was born on January 3, 2003, in Antioch, Illinois, a suburb north of Chicago. He was raised primarily by his single mother, Wendy after his parents separated when he was young. As a teenager, Rittenhouse was interested in law enforcement and emergency services. He participated in a police cadet program and worked as a part-time lifeguard.
Friends described the young Rittenhouse as “a caring, sweet kid” eager to help others. However, he also displayed an affinity for firearms and conservative politics from an early age. His social media accounts featured pro-police imagery and support for then-President Donald Trump.
Rittenhouse dropped out of high school in 2018 but worked various jobs, including as a fry cook and janitor. In the summer of 2020, amid nationwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice, the 17-year-old Rittenhouse decided to travel to nearby Kenosha, Wisconsin, with an AR-15 style rifle, ostensibly to protect businesses from rioters and provide medical aid. This fateful decision would change the course of his life forever.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kyle Howard Rittenhouse |
| Date of Birth | January 3, 2003 |
| Birthplace | Antioch, Illinois, USA |
| Age (2024) | 21 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Weight | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Blue |
The Kenosha Shootings
On the evening of August 25, 2020, Rittenhouse was in downtown Kenosha with his rifle as protests turned violent following the police shooting of Jacob Blake. In a series of chaotic confrontations captured on video, Rittenhouse shot three men who were pursuing him:
- Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, who was unarmed but had chased Rittenhouse into a parking lot
- Anthony Huber, 26, who struck Rittenhouse with a skateboard as he was on the ground
- Gaige Grosskreutz, 27, who was armed with a handgun, approached Rittenhouse after the first two shootings
Rosenbaum and Huber died from their injuries, while Grosskreutz was wounded in the arm. Rittenhouse fled the scene but later turned himself into police in his hometown. He was charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree intentional homicide.
The Trial and Acquittal
Rittenhouse’s trial in November 2021 became a media spectacle and political flashpoint. His defense team argued he had acted in self-defense, while prosecutors portrayed him as a reckless vigilante who had provoked the violence. In dramatic testimony, Rittenhouse broke down in tears on the stand as he recounted fearing for his life during the shootings.
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After deliberating for over three days, the jury found Rittenhouse not guilty on all charges. The verdict sparked outrage among many on the left who viewed it as a miscarriage of justice, while conservatives celebrated it as a vindication of gun rights and self-defense laws. For better or worse, Kyle Rittenhouse had become a household name and potent symbol in America’s culture wars.
Where is Kyle Rittenhouse Now?
In the years since his acquittal, Rittenhouse has embraced his celebrity status in conservative circles. He relocated to Texas and has become a fixture at right-wing political events and gun rights rallies. Some of his recent activities include:
- Speaking engagements at conservative conferences like AmericaFest
- Launching a YouTube channel focused on gun rights
- He is writing a book about his experiences titled “Acquitted.”
- Creating a video game called “Kyle Rittenhouse’s Turkey Shoot.”
- Appearing in conservative media outlets like Fox News
Rittenhouse has also hinted at possible political ambitions, though he cannot run for office until he turns 25 in 2028. For now, he seems content to build his platform as a Second Amendment advocate and conservative personality.
Age and Physical Characteristics
As of 2024, Kyle Rittenhouse is 21 years old. He stands at approximately 5’8″ (173 cm) tall and has a slender build, weighing around 150 lbs (68 kg). Rittenhouse has brown hair and blue eyes. Many observers noted his youthful appearance during his trial when he often looked younger than he was 18 years old.
Personal Life and Relationships
Rittenhouse has kept his personal life relatively private since the trial. He is not known to be in a severe relationship currently. His mother, Wendy, has remained a strong supporter, often appearing alongside him at events. Rittenhouse has two sisters but generally keeps his family out of the public eye.
In interviews, Rittenhouse has expressed a desire to live an everyday life despite his notoriety. He has mentioned wanting to pursue a career in nursing or law. However, the ongoing civil lawsuits against him and his high profile in conservative circles make a return to anonymity unlikely shortly.
Professional Career and Earnings
Before the Kenosha shootings, Rittenhouse had worked typical teenage jobs as a lifeguard, fry cook, and janitor. Since his acquittal, he has pivoted to a career as a conservative media personality and gun rights advocate. His exact earnings are not public, but he likely makes money through:
- Paid speaking engagements (reportedly $2,000-$25,000 per event)
- Book sales and other merchandise
- YouTube ad revenue
- Appearances on conservative media outlets
Additionally, Rittenhouse donated millions for his legal defense fund, though much went to his attorneys. He has mentioned struggling financially due to ongoing civil lawsuits against him.
Net Worth and Assets
Estimating Kyle Rittenhouse’s current net worth is challenging due to conflicting reports. Some sources claim his net worth is around $50,000, reflecting his pre-trial background as a teenager with entry-level jobs. However, other estimates are as high as $12 million when factoring in potential earnings from his conservative celebrity status.
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The truth is likely somewhere in between. Rittenhouse almost certainly has more assets now than before the trial, but ongoing legal fees may offset much of his earnings. He is not known to own any significant properties or businesses.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2024) | Estimated between $50,000 to $12 million |
| Assets | No significant properties or businesses are known |
| Earnings | From book sales, speaking fees, and media engagements |
Investments and Business Ventures
As a young man just entering adulthood, Rittenhouse does not appear to have any significant investments or real estate holdings. His main business ventures so far have been:
- Writing and promoting his book “Acquitted.”
- Launching a video game
- Creating a YouTube channel
- Selling merchandise like t-shirts and mugs
In August 2023, Rittenhouse filed paperwork to create a non-profit organization called The Rittenhouse Foundation. The purpose is to protect legal rights with language invoking the Second Amendment. However, there has been little public activity from this foundation so far.
Contact Information and Social Media
Kyle Rittenhouse maintains an active presence on social media, particularly on platforms popular with conservatives. His accounts include:
- Twitter: @ThisIsKyleR (over 1.2 million followers)
- Instagram: @thisiskylerittenhouse (over 900,000 followers)
- YouTube: Kyle Rittenhouse (79,000 subscribers)
He does not publicly share contact information for booking or media requests. Any business inquiries likely go through his management team or publicist.
Conclusion
Kyle Rittenhouse’s journey has been extraordinary, from an unknown teenager to one of American politics’s most recognizable and polarizing figures.
His actions in Kenosha and subsequent trial sparked intense debates about gun rights, self-defense laws, and racial justice that continue to this day. Whether viewed as a reckless vigilante or a patriot who stood his ground, Rittenhouse remains a potent symbol of the deep divisions in American society. As he enters adulthood, only time will tell how his story and public image will continue to evolve in the years to come.