Mark Hertzberg/Pool via Associated Press
- Closing arguments in Kyle Rittenhouse's trial are expected to start on Monday, The New York Times reported.
- Around 500 Wisconsin National Guard troops will be on standby ahead of the verdict.
- Rittenhouse is on trial for fatally shooting two men and injuring a third during August 2020 protests.
Around 500 Army National Guard troops in Wisconsin are reporting for State Active Duty ahead of the end of Kyle Rittenhouse's trial, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said Friday.
In a press release, Evers said the troops would be on standby status outside Kenosha and respond if they're requested by local law enforcement agencies.
"We continue to be in close contact with our partners at the local level to ensure the state provides support and resources to help keep the Kenosha community and greater area safe," Evers said. "The Kenosha community has been strong, resilient, and has come together through incredibly difficult times these past two years, and that healing is still ongoing."
Evers also asked people who are considering traveling to the area to reconsider their plans and encouraged those who might assemble to do so "safely and peacefully."
Rittenhouse is currently standing trial for fatally shooting two men and injuring a third during unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on August 25, 2020.
Rittenhouse is facing five felony charges and a misdemeanor weapons charge and has pleaded not guilty, claiming he shot Joseph Rosenbaum, Anthony Huber, and Gaige Grosskreutz in self-defense.
The New York Times reported that closing arguments in the case are expected on Monday morning with the jury expected to begin deliberations afterwards.
Kenosha County Judge Bruce Schroeder said he would consider allowing the jury to consider less serious offenses, CNN reported.