Rittenhouse judge asks for applause for veterans -- including defense team’s witness

The presiding judge asked the courtroom to applaud veterans at the start of Kyle Rittenhouse's trial on Thursday in honor of Veteran's Day.

Just after the jury was brought into the courtroom, Judge Bruce Schroeder asked if anyone in court had served in the military, but observed that only the Rittenhouse defense team's use-of-force expert, John Black, appeared to have served.

"I just wanted to observe that it's Veterans Day and, any veterans in the room, on the jury or anywhere else?" Schroeder asked, but was met with brief silence. "Well, that's unusual not to have at least somebody in here, but Dr. Black is. What branch?"

Black, who holds a PhD in public policy and administration and a doctorate in business administration, said he had served in the U.S. Army.

"Okay," the judge said, "and I think we can give a round of applause to the people who have served our country."

Jurors joined in the round of applause for the defense team's witness.