The bare facts of the Kyle Rittenhouse case are not disputed. In August 2020 he shot dead two people, and injured a third, during protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin. But to the right the teenager is an American hero and to the left he’s a reckless vigilante. What does the case tell us about gun culture and race in America? 

We hear how the media on the left and right told the Rittenhouse story and go back to the origins of a notorious self-defence law. The Economist’s Daniel Knowles explains why guns divide America.

John Prideaux hosts with Jon Fasman and Charlotte Howard.

For full access to print, digital and audio editions as well as exclusive live events, subscribe to The Economist at economist.com/USpod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.