In a statement made through his attorney, Kimberley Motley, to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Grosskreutz confirmed the petition at the point of sale: “Yes, after two years of death threats from right-wing crazies, I have made the difficult decision to change my name for the protection of myself and my family.”
“But the real story here is not that I am seeking a name change, but that a process that was supposed to protect and protect those at risk was undermined and sealed information leaked to right-wing media within hours of my filing.”, the statement continued.
“I have been told that my file is confidential. I demand that the court investigate how this was disclosed to ensure that those seeking protection in the future receive the protection to which they are entitled. On Tuesday, I was denied this protection.”
The Journal also reported that Grosskreutz requested an investigation by the Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court after the sealed petition was leaked to the Kenosha County Eye. According to the outlet, Registrar of the Courts George Christenson said he had begun to look into the matter.
While Mathewson denied any contact or relationship with Rittenhouse, he covered Rittenhouse’s trial as a freelance photographer and made headlines after he yelled at one of the prosecutors during the trial, the Milwaukee Journal reported. Sentinel.
This isn’t the first time Grosskreutz has expressed fear after receiving death threats from Rittenhouse fans. In September 2020, he said CNN that he and his family members – including his 65-year-old grandmother – were receiving death threats from Rittenhouse supporters.
After House Ritten was charged with two counts of homicide and the reckless wounding of Grosskreutz, who testified at Rittenhouse’s 2021 trial, Grosskreutz reportedly received further threats. During this trial, he told jurors he thought he was going to die when Rittenhouse pointed his gun at him. His testimony was decisive in the trial.