MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Kyle Rittenhouse is coming to the University of Memphis. Best known for shooting three people and killing two at a Black Lives Matter protest in 2020 and later being acquitted on grounds of self-defense, the controversial conservative figure is currently on a national tour, making appearances at multiple universities. His stop at Memphis has not been without controversy, with many claims appearing on social media about the event.
Rittenhouse was invited to talk by the student organization Turning Point USA Memphis, which is the local chapter of Turning Point USA.
In light of this event, several claims and questions have circulated across the city.
We gathered some of them to verify their accuracy.
THE SOURCES
University of Memphis Spokesperson
QUESTION
Is the University of Memphis threatening to shut down the event?
ANSWER
No, the University of Memphis is not thinking or threatening to cancel the event.
QUESTION
Was the ticket system for the event wiped out because the original ticket system wasn't equitable?
ANSWER
Yes, the ticket system was changed to ensure that everyone who had requested a ticket had one.
QUESTION
Is the University adding additional fees and charges for parking and security?
ANSWER
No, the university is not charging additional fees for parking, parking is free.
QUESTION
Are UofM students who are using their university email being denied from registering to the event?
ANSWER
The university did not confirm that this is true, but they are aware that this is a concern.
WHAT WE FOUND
Kyle Rittenhouse is still set to speak, with the university not planning on taking any action to cancel or prevent the event.
While the sold-out event is taking place at the school, the University of Memphis did not plan the event. According to the university, this is a Turning Point USA event hosted by student chapter Turning Point USA – Memphis.
As per the tickets, originally the tickets were offered through Turning Point USA, with the University of Memphis then switching to its own system. The spokesperson accredits the switch to growing concerns of tickets being invalidated, meaning that some people who requested tickets had their tickets taken out later on.
Rittenhouse's appearance is on part with his tour "The Rittenhouse Recap," and the event was originally announced on social media. Organizations Turning Point USA, KWAM News Radio 990 and the Shelby County Young Republicans were all mentioned in the announcement, with KWAM News Radio promoting the event in the following days.
Rittenhouse became well known in 2020 during the Black Lives Matter protest, after the then 17-year-old shot three men, killing two, in Kenosha, Wisconsin during a protest.
Although Rittenhouse fatally shot two people (36-years-old Joseph Rosenbaum and 26-year-old Anthony Huber), he was later acquitted on self-defense grounds.
The University of Memphis will have extra security for the event, and they will also be working alongside the Memphis Police Department to provide security at the event.
