Kyle Rittenhouse event draws over 100 protestors to University of Memphis campus

By: Rose Ragsdale

Kyle Rittenhouse’s “Rittenhouse Recap” drew over 100 protesters and a sizeable police presence amid concerns over possible violence.  

Keith Humphrey, the newly appointed University of Memphis Police Chief, said of the security detail: “Our focus is a layered approach, we want everybody to be able to express their First Amendment rights.” He expressed confidence that the students would maintain a peaceful environment.  

Kelsey Mack (right), a senior at the University of Memphis, said she was disappointed in the university’s response. “I feel like you have made this an unsafe place for us,” she said of administration. “You are inviting white supremacists to our university on our campus and giving them a public platform to speak and I don’t think that’s right.” 

Printouts displaying the names of the three men Rittenhouse shot, two of whom were killed, were distributed by protestors. There were additional printouts that showed Rittenhouse’s mugshot and charges.

Memphis native David Metzger said although Rittenhouse should not have initially gone to Kenosha, WI, his latter actions were, “perfectly legal and moral.” Metzger said he attended the event because he, “was very curious if I showed up looking very traditional southern what the reaction would be.”  

University of Memphis students (left to right) Franko Coleman, Keenan Perry, Mateo Navarro, and Joel Richards started a music performance around 7 pm and continued until the protest ended. “This is another form of peaceful protest I feel like,” Coleman said. “It’s noisier, but it’s still peaceful. No one's getting hurt.” 

Around 7:50 pm Rittenhouse was escorted to his vehicle amid chants of “Kyle is a killer.” Protestors began to run toward the parking garage, some calling to “beat his ass” and “jail his ass.” A large group of protestors ran to the front of the parking garage in an attempt to stop Rittenhouse. 

Once at the front of the parking garage protestors began attempting to block cars from leaving as well as yelling at them to “get out of Memphis.” The demonstration ended around 8:15 pm at the direction of campus and state law enforcement officials. Protestors were told to return to the University Center and remain calm.