It's not as simple as that.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/27/us/kyle-rittenhouse-kenosha-shooting-video.html
"
He eventually leaves the dealership and is barred by the police from returning. Six minutes later footage shows Mr. Rittenhouse being chased by an unknown group of people into the parking lot of another dealership several blocks away."
"
While Mr. Rittenhouse is being pursued by the group, an unknown gunman fires into the air, though it’s unclear why. The weapon’s muzzle flash appears in footage filmed at the scene.
Mr. Rittenhouse turns toward the sound of gunfire as another pursuer lunges toward him from the same direction. Mr. Rittenhouse then fires four times, and appears to shoot the man in the head."
"
Mr. Rittenhouse seems to make a phone call and then flees the scene. Several people chase him, some shouting, “That’s the shooter!”
As Mr. Rittenhouse is running, he trips and falls to the ground. He fires four shots as three people rush toward him. One person appears to be hit in the chest and falls to the ground. Another, who is carrying a handgun, is hit in the arm and runs away.
Mr. Rittenhouse’s gunfire is mixed in with the sound of at least 16 other gunshots that ring out during this time."
It doesn't take Perry Mason to see the narrative his defense attorneys will build. Here's how I would argue it:
"Mr. Rittenhouse had gone to Kenosha to try to do good. He cleaned graffiti off of buildings, rendered first aid to injured individuals, and tried to protect private property from the looters who were using important, peaceful protests as cover to pillage and steal. Yes he carried a gun, but not with any intention to use it. The gun was there to deter these opportunistic looters from engaging in their nefarious deeds.
While out trying to help this community in need, he was accosted by those who would do him harm. But being a peaceful person, Mr. Rittenhouse didn't escalate this confrontation, but instead retreated. He tried to avoid violence but was chased like an animal. Eventually one of his pursuers fires a shot into the air. After this another pursuer lunges at Mr. Rittenhouse. With guns being fired, a mob chasing him, and being confronted with immediate physical violence, Mr. Rittenhouse did the only thing a reasonable person could do, he defended himself. We was faced with capture by an armed mob in an area where police were overwhelmed and could render little immediate aid. Mr. Rittenhouse's fear for his life was not only real, it was logical.
Mr. Rittenhouse made no other aggressive moves towards anyone else there as no one else presented an immediate threat to Mr. Rittenhouse's safety and Mr. Rittenhouse had no desire to cause others harm. He again fled the scene, trying to retreat from the now enraged mob. He was again chased through the street. His pursuers were shouting threats as they closed in, some openly brandishing handguns. Mr. Rittenhouse, terrified and exhausted, fell to the ground. His pursuers closed in, one of the closest carrying a handgun.
Mr. Rittenhouse was again faced with imminent threat to his safety. There was no escape, no help to be had. His choices were to fight back or surrender to the armed pursuers who hunted him. He fought back and opened fire as his attackers tried to take his gun from him. This action allowed a window for Mr. Rittenhouse to again retreat and he fled rather than perform unnecessary violence.
Finally, police arrived at the scene. Mr. Rittenhouse didn't run from them. He held up his hands, grateful for their presence. He knew he was safe from his pursuers and the horrible string of events had come to an end.
These aren't the actions of a cold blooded killer or a main filled with irrational hate. They're the actions of a scared kid trying to help in a lawless area who repeatedly tried to escape from a pursuing mob and only fought when there was no other choice."
Do I believe what I just wrote? Not really. But you better believe that's what his lawyers will argue.