I think what is missing in this discussion is intent, and something the prosecution did a really poor job at laying out. Rittenhouse had clear intent in his actions leading up to the shooting.
Rittenhouse was NOT the gun owner. As a 17 year old he was not eligible to own the rifle and his parent would have been the legal gun owner. He also crossed state lines with a firearm. While Wisconsin is a reciprocity state, honoring the licenses of other states, they only do so for permit holder over the age of 21. Wisconsin bans 17 year olds from possessing a firearm. So I do believe that Rittenhouse, in breaking these two laws, has also made himself subject to breaking a federal law pertaining to the interstate transport of a firearm. Rittenhouse admitted to all of these actions.
Rittenhouse claims he was going to Kenosha to protect property and act as a medic. Rittenhouse was neither trained to protect property nor contracted to protect property by the owners, meaning his presence on any property would have been trespassing, the same for all at the protest. Rittenhouse had left his "protective position" and entered the fray. Rittenhouse was also not a trained medic nor did he ever try and help anyone at the protest by giving aid, even while given ample opportunity.
Ironically, the man who survived Rittenhouse's bullets was a certified EMT who had given aid to multiple people that evening. That EMT did bring a sidearm to the protest, which he legally owned and was permitted to carry at one time - his permit had expired. Grosskreutz - the EMT - was not charged with anything related to his weapon or carrying of the weapon during these events.
It is clear that Rittenhouse had intent. He knew what he was doing and he was intentionally putting himself in a dangerous situation.
Having said that, the self-defense story is likely to resonate with a juror who will ignore all the lead up that establishes motive and intent. I think he will be acquitted of the homicide charges. I don't think he is as lucky with the weapons charges.
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