During Black Lives Matter protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, a white teen named Kyle Rittenhouse used an illegally acquired gun to shoot three people, killing two. What happened next shows why we HAVE to get rid of money bail.
His bail was set at $2 million, but he became a symbol for right-wing supporters, who found the teen’s shooting admirable!
A fundraising effort ultimately FREED the teen after his bail was posted. This situation is important to help us understand issues with bail.
Bail is about money – not fairness. Consider the well-known story of Kalief Browder, who was accused of stealing a backpack. He was tortured in jail for years with solitary confinement, beatings, and abuse – because he couldn’t afford bail!
He represents the stakes of the issue we have to fight against.
After his release, Browder ended his life due to the mental health impacts of his years of confinement. This racialized problem disproportionately affects Black people, who are more likely to be detained pre-trial. It’s happening throughout the nation – and we can do something about it!
The money bail system is a blatant injustice. Release from jail shouldn’t come down to who can pay for it! The release of Kyle and the death of Kalief shows us why.
You can join organizing efforts near you to fight back against money bail. This unjust system cannot go on!