Virginia police officer ‘relieved of duty’ after donating to Kyle Rittenhouse defense fund

A Norfolk, Va., police officer has been “relieved of duty” after he expressed support for Kenosha shooter Kyle Rittenhouse and donated to his defense fund.

Norfolk city manager Chip Filer announced Tuesday he had accepted police chief Larry Boone’s recommendation to fire former Lt. William Kelly following a Guardian report last week that named many police officers and public who had donated to Rittenhouse. Kelly, who donated $25 using his department email address, also wrote a message of encouragement to Rittenhouse.

© Nam Y. Huh Kyle Rittenhouse listens to defense attorney John Pierce during an extradition hearing in Lake County court on Oct. 30, 2020 in Waukegan, Ill.

Kyle Rittenhouse listens to defense attorney John Pierce during an extradition hearing in Lake County court on Oct. 30, 2020 in Waukegan, Ill. (Nam Y. Huh/)

Load Error

“God bless. Thank you for your courage. Keep your head up. You’ve done nothing wrong.”

“Every rank and file police officer supports you. Don’t be discouraged by actions of the political class of law enforcement leadership.”

Rittenhouse is accused of multiple murders after crossing state lines and shooting protesters at an anti-police rally in Kenosha, Wis. after Jacob Blake was shot by police in August.

Kelly was previously the department’s executive officer of internal affairs

In a statement, city manager Filer said Kelly’s actions were against city and department policies.

“His egregious comments erode the trust between the Norfolk Police Department and those they are sworn to serve,” Filer said. “The City of Norfolk has a standard of behavior for all employees, and we hold staff accountable.”

Filer’s statement added that Kelly was eligible to file a grievance and appeal his firing.