Pryor: Rittenhouse ruling a failure of the criminal justice system

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), House Democratic Floor Leader and member of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, today released the following statement in response to the acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse on all charges:

“Sadly, I am not surprised by the verdict handed down today. Rittenhouse is only the latest in a series of profound national failures of the criminal justice system. 

“Today's ruling sets a bad precedent. What Kyle Rittenhouse did was reckless, dangerous, and showed an utter disregard for human life, yet he will face no consequences. No one should be happy with this verdict. 

“This case sheds light on the implicit biases that thrive in our judicial system and the need for judges to be held accountable for their actions in the courtroom. Too often Black and brown kids who do far less are seen as criminals and sent to adult prisons. The prosecutor, judge and criminal in this case got what they wanted, but the results will only harm our communities.

“Hoosiers must remain steadfast in their demand for justice. In our own state, we must continue to work toward building racial justice, ending gun violence and establishing a fair and equitable criminal justice system. I look forward to conversations in the community and at the Statehouse that will lead us toward a better tomorrow.”