It has been reported that Kenosha Judge Bruce Schroeder has banned MSNBC from the courtroom for the rest of the Kyle Rittenhouse trial after someone allegedly with the network followed a van carrying the jury.
Reports suggest the producer has been identified as James Morrison, who was stopped by police after running a stoplight while attempting to follow a van used to bring jurors to the courtroom.
Police in Kenosha said Morrison was “trying to photograph jurors” and was charged with several traffic violations, police said.
American Faith reports Judge Bruce Schroeder said the jury van is equipped with blacked-out windows so members are prevented from being exposed.
“I have instructed that no one from MSNBC News will be permitted in this building for the duration of this trial,” Schroeder said. “This is a very serious matter. I don’t know what the ultimate truth of it is … but someone following a jury bus is an extremely serious matter, and will be referred to the proper authorities for further action.”
Newsweek further reports that crowds gathered continued outside the courtroom Tuesday, as Rittenhouse supports clashed with Black Lives Matter protesters. Two people were arrested after a physical altercation erupted late Wednesday afternoon. Police and the National Guard are on alert ahead of the final verdict, which is expected soon.
The trial captured national attention, as some see Rittenhouse as a vigilante and white supremacist who was looking for trouble, while others believe he acted in self-defense and attended the protest to administer first-aid and protect the community from rioters.
Rittenhouse has pleaded not guilty to five charges, including reckless homicide, intentional homicide, attempted intentional homicide. The misdemeanor charge of possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18 was dropped before jury deliberations began.
