The location and facts are quite pertinent. Would it have been different in another state? It depends on the state, county, and locality. The result may have been different in Madison or Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The verdict is understandable given the facts of the case. As
@bubb notes, a 17-year old with a gun in an unfamiliar situation is not ideal. As we have previously discussed about law enforcement, training is a critical component of how to approach these situations. I doubt he had much - if any - training. He reacted. He is no hero.
It does raise some interesting questions though. What would have happened if a defender in the Jan 6 mob felt threatened and killed a protester? What if one of the Kenosha protesters felt threatened and killed Rittenhouse? We know the answer to one of those questions.
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/582455-trump-congratulates-rittenhouse-on-acquittal
Trump congratulates Rittenhouse.
Madison Cawthorne (R-NC) who is competing with Matt Gaetz for Rittenhouse's intern services:
"Kyle Rittenhouse is not guilty, my friends. You have a right to defend yourself, so be armed, be dangerous and be moral,”
Derrick Johnson (President and CEO of the NAACP):
"Rittenhouse's decision to go to Kenosha and provoke protestors was unwarranted. Moreover, the outcome of this case sets a dangerous precedent. We have seen this same outcome time and time again; a justice system that presents different outcomes based on the race of the accused. This verdict is a reminder of the treacherous role that white supremacy and privilege play within our justice system."