Norfolk Police Investigate Officer's Donation To Kyle Rittenhouse

NORFOLK, VA — A member of the Norfolk Police Department’s internal affairs office is awaiting reassignment to another department after reports that the officer donated money to the defense fund for Kyle Rittenhouse and praised the teenager for allegedly killing two people and injuring a third person in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

The alleged donation by Sgt. William Kelly, who serves as the executive officer of internal affairs in the Norfolk Police Department, was reportedly attached to his official Norfolk Police Department email address, raising questions about the use of public resources in supporting such campaigns, The Guardian reported Friday.

According to The Guardian, Kelly included a comment as part of his donation that read, "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," Kelly wrote.

Norfolk Police Chief Larry Boone said he is aware of the reports that Kelly contributed to Rittenhouse’s legal defense, which raised $586,940 between Aug. 27, 2020, and Jan. 7.

"I am aware of the allegations leveraged against an officer of this department and have directed an administrative investigation to ensure department policies and procedures were not violated,” Boone said in a statement, 13NewsNow reported.

Boone said Kelly’s reassignment to another division was pending the results of the administrative investigation, according to the report.

Rittenhouse is accused of shooting and killing Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26, with an AR-style rifle at an Aug. 25, 2020, protest sparked by the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man who was left paralyzed. Rittenhouse is also accused of wounding Gaige Grosskreutz, 26. Rittenhouse was 17-years-old at the time he is suspected of killing the men.

Rittenhouse is charged with two counts of first-degree homicide and one count of attempted homicide. He also faces charges of reckless endangerment and possessing a weapon while under the age of 18. Rittenhouse has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

A data breach at a Christian crowdfunding website showed that one donation for $25, made on Sept. 3, 2020, was made anonymously, but associated with Kelly’s official email address. Attached to the donation were comments showing support for Rittenhouse’s allegedly killing of two people.

Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander also released a statement on Kelly's reported donation and statements.

“The alleged statement and action by a member of Norfolk's Police Department is alarming and by all means not consistent with the values of our city or the standards set for our employees,” Alexander said. “We look forward to a full report from the administration as they investigate this matter.”

Del. Jay Jones (D-89th), who represents Norfolk in the General Assembly and is running for attorney general, said in a statement that Kelly's reported conduct "is utterly disgusting," WAVY News reported.

"If these allegations are true, Officer Kelly must resign from the Norfolk Police Department immediately. Should he not resign, he must be terminated," Jones said. "Kelly’s actions have broken the public’s trust and emboldened the worst elements in our society.”