Controversial activist acquitted of killing two at 2020 protest endorses Alabama Republican

Kyle Rittenhouse, the gun rights activist known for his acquittal in the 2020 Kenosha, Wisconsin, shootings, has entered the Alabama U.S. Senate race by issuing a formal endorsement.

On Tuesday evening, Rittenhouse took to social media to back Jared Hudson in his campaign for the Republican nomination. In his post on X, Rittenhouse stated, “After everything I went through, I’m committed to standing up for law-abiding Americans and their Second Amendment freedoms. That is why I am proud to stand with @JaredHudson_AL for in his race for the US Senate in Alabama.”

The endorsement included an image of Hudson carrying a firearm and highlighted his support from organizations such as the National Association for Gun Rights and BamaCarry. Representatives for Hudson’s campaign confirmed to 205focus.com that the endorsement was not solicited.

A High-Stakes Runoff

The race remains a key focus for voters as Hudson prepares to face Rep. Barry Moore in a runoff election scheduled for June 16.

Background on Rittenhouse

Rittenhouse gained national attention following the 2020 incident in Kenosha, where he traveled from out of town during a Black Lives Matter protest, claiming he intended to protect local businesses. During the encounter, he shot and killed two individuals and injured a third. Rittenhouse maintained that the shootings were an act of self-defense, a legal argument that ultimately led to his acquittal, as detailed in reports regarding the Kenosha trial outcome. Since the trial, he has pursued a career as a lobbyist and influencer focused on Second Amendment advocacy.