Conspiracy theories about Judge Bruce Schroeder hugging Kyle Rittenhouse and getting invited for a party post his acquittal in the Kenosha shooting incident have surfaced on social media.
Rittenhouse had shot and killed Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber and injured Gaige Grosskreutz during the protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Aug. 25 last year. On Friday, the court acquitted him of all charges including homicide, attempted homicide and reckless endangerment.

How Rumors About Schroeder-Rittenhouse Started?
Rittenhouse's acquittal in the homicide trial drew a mixed response from the social media users. In a tweet, The Daily Show wrote; "JUST IN: Judge Schroeder sentences Kyle Rittenhouse to come give him a big hug." Soon the same sentiment was shared by multiple social media users.
JUST IN: Judge Schroeder sentences Kyle Rittenhouse to come give him a big hug
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) November 19, 2021
"Verdict is outrageous. Open season on protesters. Judge needs to be removed his actions throughout the trial was bizarre and appears to be siding with the defendant and gave rotten house a hug. Totally outrageous," responded a user.
Judge Schroeder took Kyle Rittenhouse out for a beer after his acquittal...
— 🌠Agent K ➖🕵ï¸â€â™‚ï¸ ðŸ”Ž ðŸ‘ï¸ ðŸ’¬ 📡 â±ï¸ 🎯 âš–ï¸ âž– 🌊 (@gary_kline) November 19, 2021
No, he didn't in reality, but frankly from his deference to Kyle I wouldn't have been at all surprised if it happened. pic.twitter.com/xxZUk1vjui
"He's celebrating. Very happy tonight. He'll likely end up regretting this at some point, hopefully sooner than later and have a miserable life but that was never the real point. A message has been sent. It's the wrong message and we're all going to pay the price," wrote another.
“JUST IN: Judge Schroeder sentences Kyle Rittenhouse to come give him a big hugâ€. Yep.👇🽠https://t.co/zQuGObVorb pic.twitter.com/ytreTfv0NS
— #AZBluewave. Let's talk. I'm listening!🤔 (@JOkeyo6) November 19, 2021
A separate tweet by @WajahatAli, a columnist with The Daily Beast, tweeted, "Judge Schroeder invited to Kyle Rittenhouse's celebration party tonight?" sparking the speculations.
Judge Schroeder invited to Kyle Rittenhouse's celebration party tonight?
— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) November 19, 2021
Not guilty! Unbelievable. I have to pick my jaw up off the floor. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Is he going to give the judge a big hug thanking him for all of his support? The jury has reached a verdict in the Kyle Rittenhouse trialhttps://t.co/RS1w8HFtW2
— Pippi (@SusanPippi) November 19, 2021
"I heard he was invited for Thanksgiving...and also a hunting expedition," responded a user as another added," Isn't it at the judges house?"
they are spending the day on Lake Michigan together pic.twitter.com/RfTqv9njdQ
— C. Rafael Parish (@parishiner) November 19, 2021
Trial's Outcome Angers Many
Terming the trial rigged many social media users expressed their anger over Rittenhouse's acquittal. "kyle rittenhouse was always going to walk free when you've got a judge who on day 1 forbid the murder victims from being referred to as victims ,, this whole trial was a sham," tweeted a user.
"I shouldn't have to say it, but I'm going to. Kyle Rittenhouse murdered three people. I don't care what the "justice" system or a jury of his "peers" or that judge says, he is a murderer. I hope those families find peace, because they sure as f**k didn't get justice," stated a user.
Here are some more reactions to the verdict:
I studied law. As such I respect the system more than the verdict. Kyle Rittenhouse is not guilty. That doesn't mean he's innocent. Miscarriage of justice happens and this is definitely one. America just gave a pass to vigilante justice. Fuck that judge.
— Rant and Rave (@rantandtruth) November 20, 2021
Kyle Rittenhouse is a piece of shit. But if you thought for one second that he was going to be convicted, you were setting yourself up to be angry. I was hopeful until I saw the lengths that the garbage judge went to to try and protect Rittenhouse.
— Semaj Adartse (@nerdyathomedad) November 20, 2021
I wasn’t shocked at all when I found out that Kyle Rittenhouse had a $2 million defiance fund.I wonder how much of that $2 million the judge got? Years ago if U had money U could bribe judges & the judge would give jury specific orders to follow, Giving them reasonable doubt!🤔🤷â€â™‚ï¸
— Chris Burke (@ChrisBu29550966) November 20, 2021
By Judge Schroeder and the jury's logic - anyone entering the capitol on January 6th couldve/shouldve been shot, and anyone shooting the intruders could claim "self defense" and walk. #KyleRittenhouseTrial #KyleRittenhouse #JudgeSchroeder
— Arouet (@ArouetZorba) November 20, 2021