The Shell Shock festival, an event aimed at raising funds for those suffering from PTSD, is defending its decision to have Kyle Rittenhouse attend despite backlash surrounding the Kenosha shooter’s participation.

Nearly three years after being acquitted of his criminal charges, 21-year-old Rittenhouse is creating controversy once more with his scheduled appearance at the Shell Shock Festival, happening in Orlando, Florida, on October 19. According to its online description, the festival is organized as a charity concert to “support first responders dealing with injuries, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).”

In November 2021, Rittenhouse was found not guilty on all counts in a highly publicized trial after he shot three men during a protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, when he was just a teenager.

On Tuesday, Tyler Hoover, the founder of Shell Shock, confirmed Rittenhouse’s participation in the event and stated to YSL News that they “will not refuse entry to anyone who wishes to attend; all are welcome.”

“We do not discriminate,” Hoover elaborated. “Shell Shock is a charity event focused on PTSD awareness and support for military veterans and first responders. Many influential figures have reached out to show their support, including Kyle Rittenhouse.”

YSL News was unable to contact Rittenhouse’s representatives for a response.

According to Eventbrite, Shell Shock aims to create a united community of those who face ongoing challenges even after serving in the military. This includes veterans and first responders, who often deal with issues that linger long after their service has ended.

“Together, we build a strong and resilient community, committed to supporting one another through all adversities.”

Evergreen Terrace withdraws from Shell Shock festival over Rittenhouse’s involvement

Hoover’s comments followed the announcement from the band Evergreen Terrace on Sunday via Facebook, stating they would be pulling out of the festival due to Rittenhouse’s expected attendance.

“Evergreen Terrace has consistently supported charitable events for veterans, PTSD awareness, child poverty, and more, but we cannot associate with an event that appears to promote someone like Kyle Rittenhouse, who we perceive as a murderer profiting from his undeserved notoriety,” the band wrote. “Unfortunately, we did not conduct thorough research regarding this particular event.”

They also indicated that the organizers of the Shell Shock festival allegedly “offered to remove Kyle from the lineup.” YSL News has reached out to Evergreen Terrace for additional comments.

In their message, the band revealed they “had discovered several associated groups that we cannot support. As advocates for free speech, we respectfully decline to participate in the Shell Shock festival. We will be donating to a veterans charity ourselves and encourage others to do the same. The promoters have been very understanding.”

“The lines we draw are based on our principles,” the band concluded their Facebook post.

Band Southpaw claims they were unaware of Rittenhouse’s role

On September 30, Southpaw also announced their exit from the Shell Shock festival through an Instagram post.

“We were aware that the festival supported veterans, which we fully back. However, we were unaware of any specific individual being a focal point of support until after confirming our participation,” the band stated. “Given the surrounding events and the controversy involving this individual, we have chosen to respectfully withdraw.”

The statement continued: “This is simply not what we committed to. Southpaw does not engage in politics, so we cannot align ourselves with this situation. Our focus is solely on music, personal perseverance, and the hardcore culture.”

Other bands, including Let Me Bleed and American Hollow, decided to follow suit.

A brief on Kyle Rittenhouse’s actions

In 2020, at 17 years old, Rittenhouse attended a Black Lives Matter protest armed with an AR-15-style rifle and opened fire, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuring another. He claimed self-defense and was acquitted of all charges.

He fatally shot Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber while wounding Gaige Grosskreutz. At the time, he faced multiple charges, including intentional homicide and reckless endangerment.

Since then, Rittenhouse has authored a book titled “Acquitted” and embarked on a series of speaking events at colleges known as the “Rittenhouse Recap.”