Judge dismisses misdemeanor weapons charge against Kyle Rittenhouse

The judge presiding over the homicide trial of Kyle Rittenhouse on Monday dismissed the charge of possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor, ahead of the trial's closing arguments.

Driving the news: Rittenhouse was initially facing six charges — including first-degree intentional homicide — for allegedly shooting two men and injuring another during protests following the police shooting of Jacob Blake last year.

• The misdemeanor weapons charge that was dismissed was seen as the most likely to achieve a conviction for prosecutors, according to AP. It carried a potential nine-month prison sentence.
• The charge was thrown out over a technicality as to whether the length of the rifle Rittenhouse carried violated Wisconsin law.

What's next: The two sides are expected to deliver closing arguments after the dismissal.