Today’s read is from James A. Gagliano, a retired FBI supervisory special agent and doctoral candidate in police use of force at St. John’s University who gives a very clear recap of the trial thus far. Here’s an excerpt:

When cowardly politicians create vacuous policies that lead to a security void, some citizens just might be inclined to step up and fill the void to protect people and property. Again, this doesn’t make Rittenhouse’s actions leading up to the shootings righteous. But it may help one to better understand the mood of a fed-up nation. Simply put — the toleration of lawlessness always encourages more lawlessness.

Kyle Rittenhouse may indeed be guilty of possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18, the misdemeanor. He was, after all, a minor at the time. But he clearly and unequivocally acted in self-defense. 

Read the entire column here.