The man who was caught on video firing a gun moments before Kyle Rittenhouse shot and killed two assailants during the 2020 riot in Kenosha, WI., has been charged with armed robbery and other alleged crimes, according to a report.
Joshua Ziminski and his wife, Kelly Ziminski, both of whom took part in the August 25, 2020 riots that rocked the city, were charged Monday night with crimes including the armed robbery charge as well as armed burglary, false imprisonment, intimidation, and ID theft, the Kenosha County Eye reported. Details of the crime spree were not immediately available, but The Daily Wire confirmed that both Ziminskis were booked Monday on multiple charges.
Ziminski was arrested following the riots on a gun charge as well as arson, for his alleged role in setting a trailer on fire during the riot. Video of the riot showed him firing a handgun in the air as Rittenhouse, who told reporters he was there to guard businesses from rioters, ran for his life. The then-17-year-old shot three people who chased and attacked him, including Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26, who both died.
Well, well, well. Joshua Ziminski, the "man" who fired the first shot in Kenosha after teaming up with Joseph Rosenbaum to ambush a 17-year-old carrying a fire extinguisher has been charged with multiple violent felonies. @ThisIsKyleR https://t.co/nMBs3Sv6tu
— 📰 Media Accountability Project 🇺🇸 (@media_tmap) September 13, 2022
Rittenhouse was charged with counts of first-degree intentional and reckless homicide in the deaths, as well as for the wounding of Gaige Grosskreutz. But a jury found he was defending himself during the riot, which was sparked by the police shooting of an armed black man named Jacob Blake. The teen was facing life in prison with no chance at parole, but was acquitted on all charges last November.
Rittenhouse, who lived with his mom across the state border in Illinois, worked as a lifeguard in Kenosha, where his father lived. He had agreed to help provide security for local merchants on the night of the riots, and was armed with an AR-15-style rifle that he had bought. He was also acquitted of weapons charges in the case.
After his acquittal, Rittenhouse became a symbol of self-defense to many on the right, while his critics claimed he got away with murder.
Ziminski was charged several months after the riot and was freed on bail earlier this year, the outlet reported. He was awaiting trial when he was arrested Monday.
Ziminski, who has an upside-down crucifix, three teardrops, and the word “SIN” tattooed on his head, was originally supposed to go on trial in January for the riot-related charges, but the trial was delayed after he was accused of intimidating a freelance photographer who was set to testify in the case.