Kyle Rittenhouse, the teenager who asserted he was defending himself when he shot two men and injured a third in Wisconsin, was acquitted of all charges on Friday. As a result, protests have sparked across major cities in the U.S., with demonstrators declaring the decision a failure of justice reminiscent of other inadequacies of the legal system.

President Joe Biden has responded to the verdict and subsequent protests.

“I urge everyone to express their views peacefully, consistent with the rule of law," the 46th president said.

He also said that the decision of the jury must be accepted.

"While the verdict in Kenosha will leave many Americans feeling angry and concerned, myself included, we must acknowledge that the jury has spoken".

Vice President Kamala Harris also commented on the verdict.

“I'm disappointed in the verdict, I have to tell you," she said. "I think it speaks for itself. But I also have spent the majority of my career focused on what we need to do to ensure that the criminal justice system is more fair and just, and we still have a lot of work to do."

Attorney’s for the family of Gaige Grosskreutz, who was shot and injured by Rittenhouse, also encouraged the public to practice restraint. ​​"What we need right now is justice, not more violence," they said in a statement.

Former President Donald Trump also reacted to the jury’s decision. "Congratulations to Kyle Rittenhouse for being found INNOCENT of all charges," he said in a statement. "If that's not self-defense, nothing is!"

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