Kyle Rittenhouse Fires Attorney Connected To Fundraising
Kyle Rittenhouse, awaiting trial for the shooting deaths of two protestors in Kenosha, Wisconsin, has reportedly fired an attorney whose connections and struggles raised questions and concerns throughout the case.
John Pierce’s money troubles have made headlines since before he was connected to Rittenhouse. New concerns arose when he was connected to the fundraising efforts. Then, Rittenhouse himself, of course, has managed to stay in the news for things like hanging out at bars with white supremacist group members, and having an arrest warrant issued for breaking bond.
Now, according to RawStory, Kyle has fired the attorney who was seen in social media photos with the shooter and his mother, citing in part a difference of opinion between Pierce and his client regarding setting up a trust to handle funds donated for Rittenhouse’s defense.
Happy Holidays from the Rittenhouse family!! Please donate to Kyle’s criminal defense fees and costs at https://t.co/o8df0PSosa. Very strong first couple days, let’s keep it up! This is going to be long, hard fight. And follow @FreeKyle13. #SelfDefense pic.twitter.com/rH8lxcETsU
— John Pierce (@CaliKidJMP) December 7, 2020
We ask that all freedom-loving Americans pray for Kyle’s mom and the rest of the family every night until Kyle is free. Please keep the eternal flame of hope burning for Kyle and the country he loves. #FightBack #FreeKyle pic.twitter.com/U7Xigp9kwp
— John Pierce (@CaliKidJMP) September 2, 2020
Pierce himself issued a brief statement affirming that he was no longer working for Rittenhouse, boasting in terse sentences of the success he claims in his mission to free Kyle, calling for a full acquittal, and wishing the young shooter, who had a birthday and became a legal adult while free on bail, a “happy, healthy life.”
John Pierce freed Kyle. John Pierce fought with every fiber of his being for Kyle. John Pierce wants nothing but for Kyle to be acquitted and live a healthy, happy life. John Pierce is ferociously loyal to all of his clients, including all former clients. Mission accomplished. https://t.co/5c904wPMN1
— John Pierce (@CaliKidJMP) February 4, 2021
Pierce did not address that the Rittenhouse account, freekyleusa, had made insinuations about the financial situation.
Following the recommendation of attorney’s and accountants everywhere, we’ve been offline for a few weeks to setup an independent irrevocable trust strictly for the benefit of Kyle. John Pierce opposed that idea. It is clear that by doing so, we made the right decision.
— freekyleusa (@freekyleusa) February 4, 2021
John Pierce was terminated by Kyle on Monday morning. His association with FreeKyleUSA was also terminated.
When we begin raising funds again, John Pierce has no involvement and is not connected in any way to the funds being raised.
John does not speak for Kyle anymore.
— freekyleusa (@freekyleusa) February 4, 2021
Despite currently distancing themselves and Kyle from any association with John Pierce, as recently as mid-January, the pro-Kyle account was tweeting praise of the embattled attorney, describing him as an “absolute savage” who had “drop[ped] the hammer on Kenosha prosecutors.”