Who Is Kyle Rittenhouse — And Why Is He Being Compared to Karmelo Anthony?

The tragic killing of Austin Metcalf, a 17-year-old high school student and standout football player in Frisco, Texas, has ignited a national conversation — not just about youth violence, but about race, self-defense, and unequal justice. The suspect, Karmelo Anthony, also 17, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal stabbing, and comparisons to Kyle Rittenhouse are flooding social media.

But what connects these two teens — and why is Anthony’s case stirring such strong public reaction?

Read more: Who Was Austin Metcalf? Did He Die From MDMA Overdose?

Kyle Rittenhouse, Karmelo Anthony, and Austin Metcalf

What Happened in the Karmelo Anthony–Austin Metcalf Case?

On April 2, 2025, a fight broke out at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas, during a high school track meet. The altercation involved Austin Metcalf, a junior from Memorial High School, and Karmelo Anthony, a student from Centennial High School.

According to witnesses and police reports, the incident began when Metcalf and his twin brother, Hunter, noticed Anthony sitting near their team’s designated area. Hunter later stated they politely asked Anthony to move. Anthony allegedly responded aggressively. When Metcalf attempted to physically move Anthony, he was stabbed in the chest.

Despite CPR efforts, Metcalf died at the scene — cradled in his brother’s arms. His father, Jeff Metcalf, later told reporters, "I could see all the blood, and I saw where the wound was… we prayed, but they weren’t able to save him. This is murder."

Anthony was arrested immediately and is being held at Frisco Jail on $1 million bail. He reportedly told officers, "He put his hands on me. I told him not to. I was protecting myself."

Who Is Kyle Rittenhouse?

Kyle Rittenhouse became a household name in 2020 after fatally shooting two men and injuring another during protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, following the police shooting of Jacob Blake. Rittenhouse, then 17, claimed he traveled to the protest zone to protect property and provide medical assistance. He was armed with an AR-15-style rifle.

He was charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree intentional homicide, but claimed self-defense. In November 2021, a jury found him not guilty on all counts, sparking widespread debate about gun rights, race, and the legal system.

Why Is Karmelo Anthony Being Compared to Kyle Rittenhouse?

The comparisons on social media are driven by perceived racial and legal double standards. Supporters of Anthony argue that while Rittenhouse, a white teen, was acquitted after carrying a firearm into a protest and killing two people, Anthony, a Black teen, is already being vilified for allegedly using a knife during a personal altercation.

Critics say the same people who defended Rittenhouse’s right to bear arms and use lethal force are now condemning Anthony for claiming self-defense. “If Rittenhouse walked free, why is Karmelo already being called a murderer?” one user posted.

Facebook groups like “Justice for Karmelo” have emerged, framing Anthony as a victim of racial injustice and media bias. These groups also argue that Anthony was not the aggressor and was reacting to being physically confronted.

Read more: Who Is Karmelo Anthony? The Truth Behind the Murder Charge, “Justice for Karmelo” Facebook Group, and Fake GoFundMe Campaigns

Self-Defense or Murder? A Divided Public

Rittenhouse’s acquittal set a precedent in the eyes of many — that a teenager can claim self-defense and walk free, even after deadly violence. Now, Anthony’s supporters are demanding equal consideration under the law, especially since he reportedly said he felt threatened and told Metcalf not to touch him.

However, others argue that bringing a knife to a school event was a dangerous choice and that stabbing someone in the chest is not proportional self-defense.

The debate continues to unfold in real time, with both sides pointing to systemic biases, inconsistent legal outcomes, and the blurred lines between self-defense and escalation.

Misinformation Adds Fuel to the Fire

Shortly after Metcalf’s death, a fake autopsy report falsely claiming he died from an MDMA-fentanyl overdose went viral. It was quickly debunked by the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office, but not before it caused confusion and outrage online.

Meanwhile, screenshots of a GoFundMe for Anthony have circulated — but no such verified fundraiser exists, raising concerns about potential scams exploiting the situation.

Conclusion

The comparison between Kyle Rittenhouse and Karmelo Anthony highlights how race, weapon type, and public narrative shape perceptions of justice. Both cases involve teenage boys claiming self-defense in fatal incidents — but the public and legal responses differ sharply.

As the Anthony case proceeds through the courts, it won’t just be a trial about one deadly moment — it will be a reflection of how America handles race, violence, and the right to defend oneself.

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Who Is Karmelo Anthony? The Truth Behind the Murder Charge, “Justice for Karmelo” Facebook Group, and Fake GoFundMe Campaigns Karmelo Anthony has been charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of 22-year-old Austin Metcalf, a case that’s quickly gained national attention—not just for the ...