Shell Shock festival, which raises funds for PTSD victims, is standing behind Kyle Rittenhouse after facing criticism for the Kenosha shooter’s planned appearance.
Nearly three years after his criminal trial acquittal, Rittenhouse, now 21, is stoking controversy once again after it became known he was set to attend Shell Shock Festival in Orlando, Florida, on Oct. 19. The festival is a concert charity event that “supports first responders struggling with injuries to include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),” according to an online description.
In November 2021, Rittenhouse was found not guilty on all charges against him in a legal case that divided the nation when he shot three men during a protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, as a teenager.
On Tuesday, Shell Shock founder Tyler Hoover confirmed Rittenhouse’s appearance at the festival and said in a statement to USA TODAY that they “are not going to turn anyone down who wishes to attend; everyone is welcome.”
“We do not discriminate,” Hoover continued. “Shell Shock is a PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Charity and Awareness event to support our military Veterans and first responders. Many influencers reached out to us to give their support, one of which was Kyle Rittenhouse.”