COVINGTON, Ky. — A fundraiser for one Northern Kentucky politician is changing locations after Kyle Rittenhouse was announced as a speaker.
Rittenhouse, the man who gained national attention as a teenager in 2020 after shooting multiple men during protests over the police shooting of Jacob Blake, will be in the Tri-State Wednesday, Oct. 9 in support of Kentucky state House candidate and attorney TJ Roberts.
Roberts said on social media Rittenhouse will be a special guest at the fundraiser alongside state Senator John Schickel and state Reps. Savannah Maddox and Steve Doan.
HUGE event coming up thanks to my friend Zachary Smith!
— TJ Roberts (@realTJRoberts) October 1, 2024
Join me, Kyle Rittenhouse, Savannah Maddox, John Schickel, and Steven Doan for a campaign fundraiser for my campaign!! pic.twitter.com/7fOsIvKN9U
"This is an incredible opportunity for us to connect and for me to share more about my vision to secure a brighter future for Kentucky. ... Together, we will discuss the future of Kentucky and the importance of securing our Christian, Constitutional Conservative values for the next generation," Roberts said.
A spokesperson for Covington's Metropolitan Club, the event's original location, said in a statement the fundraiser was scheduled in late September but "when a speaker was announced who may not align with the unity mission of the club, the event was moved." The location will now be at Smokin' This and That BBQ in Florence, per owner Guy Cummins.
When we sent the Metropolitan Club's statement to Roberts' campaign, a spokesman called it "a misrepresentation of the facts."
The spokesman shared an email with WCPO in which a member of the club asked the campaign about additional security and wrote, "This event fits our mission of being inclusive of all ideas, creeds, etc., so I welcome it.”
Rittenhouse, who was acquitted in the shooting that left two men dead, has been involved in politics since his trial. He campaigned for former President Donald Trump, was offered multiple internships by Republican politicians and worked with candidates in Texas after moving to the state.
Just days ago, a festival that raises money for PTSD victims confirmed Rittenhouse would appear at their event and defended the decision against backlash, saying, "everyone is welcome."
Roberts, a Boone County native, is running to replace Rep. Steve Rawlings in Kentucky House District 66. He defeated former state Rep. Ed Massey in the Republican primary and faces Democrat Peggy Houston-Nienaber this November.
Endorsed by U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie and former congressman Ron Paul, Roberts' campaign website claims he is "pro-life, pro-Constitution and pro-Second Amendment."
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