Kyle Rittenhouse to speak at Republican rally in Plains Twp.

PLAINS TWP. — NEPA Republicans plan to host a political rally at the Woodlands Inn and Resort later this month featuring a keynote address from Kyle Rittenhouse, a polarizing figure who famously claimed self-defense after killing two people during a Black Lives Matter protest in Wisconsin.

Rittenhouse, who shot three people, killing two, with an assault rifle during protests of a police shooting that took place in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in August 2020, was acquitted on all charges after presenting a successful self-defense defense at trial in November 2021.

T.J. Fitzgerald, founder and chairman of NEPA Republicans, said Monday that the purpose of the Nov. 22 NEPA Republicans Freedom Event is for conservatives to espouse the values of the First and Second Amendments “and make sure we keep them going.”

“We want to get in gear, and now that we’ve got our butts handed to us in this last election, this is an opportunity to reflect and move forward to make sure that we keep Rob Bresnahan,” Fitzgerald said in reference to the freshman U.S. congressman who will be running for reelection in the Eighth Congressional District next year.

Fitzgerald said he had been in contact with national Republican personality Teddy Daniels about the event. In a recent video posted to Facebook, Daniels said Rittenhouse had originally been scheduled to speak in Alabama but that the event was moved to Luzerne County after the initial venue received criticism about the appearance.

“In light of what just happened, the tragedy with Charlie Kirk, you know folks, this can go one of two ways,” Daniels said, referencing the Sept. 10 assassination of the conservative activist in Orem, Utah. “We can hide and cower from the left, or we can stand up. And we’re standing up. That’s what we plan on doing.”

The announcement of Rittenhouse’s appearance in Luzerne County sparked swift condemnation from some area residents who derided the appearance as a glorification of violence.

“I am absolutely furious that any establishment, anywhere, will welcome this disgusting glorification of gun violence,” Alicia Angeli wrote in a letter to the editor to The Citizens’ Voice. “No matter who you are politically, it is a no brainer that promoting someone like this is the wrong move if the goal is to unify the people. The current divisive political climate has been created as a result of moves like this. This kind of garbage has no place in NEPA, and we want it out.”

A message left for Woodlands General Manager Annie John was not immediately returned Monday.

Fitzgerald, however, downplayed any concerns about Rittenhouse’s appearance, saying NEPA Republicans are simply trying to exercise their rights — the same as liberals have been doing during the recent series of No Kings protests against President Donald Trump.

“People should be able to voice their First Amendment (rights), and I also think we shouldn’t be threatened. Everybody should be able to congregate under the First Amendment without fear,” Fitzgerald said. “Sometimes you have to have a little courage and stand for what you believe.”

The NEPA Republicans Freedom Event runs from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Woodlands, 1073 state Route 315 in Plains Twp. Admission is $25 at the door.

For more information, visit neparepublicans.com.