A social media commentator and self-confessed “internet loudmouth” started a firestorm by tweeting that Alec Baldwin was innocent but Kyle Rittenhouse was a murderer.
Jeff Tiedrich, a New York-based graphic designer and musician, has made a name for himself online for his criticism of President Donald Trump.
On Thursday, Tiedrich, 65, weighed the decision to charge Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter over filming cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on set in October 2021.
He contrasted that with the acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse, who shot dead two Black Lives Matter protesters in August 2020 at the age of 17.
Rittenhouse was tried and found not guilty of murder in November 2021 after arguing he acted in self-defense amid chaotic scenes in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Tiedrich drew parallels between the two shootings.
Jeff Tiedrich, 65, has gained a million followers on Twitter thanks to his outspoken criticism of Donald Trump and his political activism
Alec Baldwin is seen October 21, 2021 after speaking to investigators about the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins. He has now been told he faces involuntary manslaughter charges
Kyle Rittenhouse was 17 when he traveled from his home in Illinois to Kenosha, Wisconsin to “protect” businesses during the August 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. Rittenhouse shot dead two of the activists but was acquitted of the murder after a trial in November 2021
“What Alec Baldwin did is a tragedy. What Kyle Rittenhouse did is murder. If you don’t see the difference, I can’t help you,” Tiedrich tweeted in comments that have been viewed 3.6 million times and garnered 87,000 likes and 15,000 replies.
Tiedrich doubled down on Friday, writing, “Holy damn shit, if an actor accidentally firing a gun while rehearsing for a movie has you banging bricks, wait ’til you find out about the teen that’s his.” Mom asked to drive him across the state line so he could purposely shoot into a crowd of protesters.
Social media users reacted with anger.
“Rittenhouse was a clear case of self-defense, and anyone who says otherwise is probably motivated by personal animosity toward him,” one said.
“Baldwin’s case amounts to the precise legal definition of what constitutes ‘simple negligence’ and is by no means a bull’s eye. ‘
One said Tiedrich should have paid more attention to Rittenhouse’s trial.
“What Alec Baldwin did was involuntary manslaughter. What Kyle Rittenhouse did was self-defense.
“You would know the difference if you watched 30 seconds of the Rittenhouse trial, which was nothing but a waste of taxpayers’ money.”
Baldwin is seen outside his Manhattan home on Friday. He is said to have been shocked by the allegations and has vowed to contest them
Another accused Tiedrich of spreading “disinformation”.
“You got it wrong,” he said.
“Kyle Rittenhouse was tried and found innocent. Alec Baldwin has yet to go to trial but will soon and almost certainly be found guilty.
Baldwin can be seen in a costume covered in fake blood in a picture posted to Instagram
“Stop spreading disinformation.”
And another pointed out that Tiedrich was not an impartial arbiter.
“Baldwin was ruthless and should have known better.
“Kyle is just a kid who wanted to help and got into a mafia situation. People attacked him as he ran away. He did what any normal person would do, defend himself.
‘With your distorted perception, I wouldn’t want your help.’
Baldwin insists he did not pull the trigger on the prop cannon that killed Halyna Hutchins, 42.
He said the gun misfired. He has also argued that he cannot be held responsible for the prop guns and that he trusts the gunsmiths employed on set.
His lawyer called the decision to charge him a “horrible miscarriage of justice.”
Halyna Hutchins, a 42-year-old cinematographer, was killed on the Baldwin set in October 2021
Rittenhouse can be seen on the set of conservative Candace Owens’ talk show on January 24, 2022
Rittenhouse traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin from his home in Illinois to “protect” local businesses after the Black Lives Matter protests turned ugly.
He wasn’t legally allowed to carry a gun, but he did.
Rittenhouse, who had long idolized the police, walked around town in his role as a law enforcement officer.
As the riots escalated, Rittenhouse was attacked and responded by opening fire on the crowd.
He killed Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26. He shot and wounded Gaige Grosskreutz, who was carrying a pistol.
Rittenhouse was labeled a hero to the conservatives but a murderer to the left.
His trial was closely watched nationwide, and the jury eventually acquitted Rittenhouse, accepting that he had acted in self-defense.
In the year since his acquittal, Rittenhouse has sought to capitalize on his “fame,” starting a YouTube channel for gun fanatics and embarking on a speaking tour. He sells a video game in which players can open fire on “fake news” turkeys.
His actions remain controversial, and many venues where Rittenhouse was scheduled to give a speech have canceled his appearance amid protests.