Authorities prepare for verdict in murder trial of Kyle Rittenhouse

Local authorities are gearing up as the murder trial of Kyle Rittenhouse draws to a close and a verdict is expected soon.

Local authorities are gearing up as the murder trial of Kyle Rittenhouse draws to a close and the jury will begin deliberations early next week.

Closing arguments in the high-profile trial are scheduled for Monday morning in Wisconsin's Kenosha County Circuit Court, followed by deliberations. In advance of the verdict, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has authorized about 500 National Guard troops to be on standby to support public safety efforts if needed, state officials said Friday.

"We continue to be in close contact with our partners at the local level to ensure the state provides support and resources to help keep the Kenosha community and greater area safe," Evers said in a statement. "I urge folks who are otherwise not from the area to please respect the community by reconsidering any plans to travel there and encourage those who might choose to assemble and exercise their First Amendment rights to do so safely and peacefully."

The National Guard soldiers will "stand ready" to protect the Kenosha community "should a request from our local partners come in," Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsin's adjutant general, said in a statement.