What is AmericaFest? Kyle Rittenhouse hailed as hero at conservative Phoenix event
A month after his acquittal, Kyle Rittenhouse took the stage at the Turning Point USA conference in Phoenix on Monday, December 20. The 18-year-old, who has gained the status of a hero in parts of the conservative movement, was welcomed with a deafening round of applause as the audience cheered on. "I think my trial was an example of them trying to come after our Second Amendment rights, our right to defend ourselves and trying to take our weapons," Rittenhouse told the crowd.
Rittenhouse was fully acquitted on all five charges including homicide for killing two men and injuring one at the Kenosha riots in August 2020. "It's helped me grow a lot, it's helped me mature," Rittenhouse told the crowd. "My mentors who have been in my life … they've helped make me the person I am today, so thank you for them." "I believe God's been with me every day of the trial, every day since Aug. 25 … I pray to him every single night … I pray for strength to get through whatever happens to me," he added.
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Kyle Rittenhouse gets a rock star reception at the Turning Point USA event in AZ.
— Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) December 21, 2021
The teen was found not guilty of criminal charges after admitting to shooting & killing two people in WI. He says it was self defense.
He’a now seen as a hero by some activists on the right pic.twitter.com/fBvl2pKT6q
What is AmericaFest?
Since his acquittal, Rittenhouse has made appearances on conservative media. On Monday, December 20, he spoke at AmericaFest during a four-day gathering of conservatives that has been put on by Turning Point USA, a student-focused movement that supports a free market and limited government.
The nonprofit's political affiliate has reportedly worked in support of former President Donald Trump. The founder, Charlie Kirk, has been known for allegedly promoting false theories claiming the 2020 election was stolen from Trump. The organizations are pro-Second Amendment rights.
According to the website, "AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl Stadium is a large patriotic celebration of all things red, white and blue. AmericaFest welcomes tens of thousands for a day full of tailgating, celebration, and entertainment including a motorcycle stunt show and a world-renowned fireworks display."
About the 2021 AmericaFest celebration, the website says, "The Rose Bowl Stadium, recognized as home to one of the nation’s largest and longest running shows to celebrate America’s birthday, will host its 95th Annual AmericaFest Celebration in person this year on Sunday, July 4th, following last year’s virtual event due to the rising pandemic.
"The theme of this year’s annual celebration is “Celebrating America’s Perseverance” as we have recognized our ability to come together and stand stronger throughout this pandemic. This year’s event will welcome all of Pasadena and beyond, back to events at America’s Stadium," it adds.