New Hampshire Libertarian Proposes 50-Foot Statues of Kyle Rittenhouse and Daniel Penny to Repel Progressives

Jeremy Kauffman, a prominent figure within New Hampshire's Libertarian Party and the Free State Project, recently outlined a vision for the state designed to be "absolutely repulsive to progressives." In a social media post, Kauffman proposed erecting "50 foot tall statues of Kyle Rittenhouse and Daniel Penny," alongside advocating for widespread open-carry firearm policies and the display of Gadsden flags in government buildings. This statement underscores a radical approach to shaping New Hampshire's political and cultural identity.

Kauffman, known for his entrepreneurial background and staunch libertarian views, has been a vocal proponent of the Free State Project, an initiative encouraging libertarians to relocate to New Hampshire to concentrate political influence. His past involvement includes managing the controversial social media presence of the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire (LPNH), which has frequently drawn criticism for provocative posts.

The figures invoked, Kyle Rittenhouse and Daniel Penny, have become symbols for various conservative and right-wing factions. Rittenhouse gained national attention after being acquitted of homicide charges in a 2020 shooting incident in Kenosha, Wisconsin, often framed by supporters as an act of self-defense. Daniel Penny, a former Marine, was recently acquitted of manslaughter charges in the chokehold death of an unhoused man on a New York City subway, with his actions similarly championed as a response to perceived societal disorder.

By proposing these statues, Kauffman aims to solidify New Hampshire's image as a bastion of extreme libertarian principles, actively seeking to deter those with progressive viewpoints. The mention of "open carry everywhere" and "Gadsden flags in government schools and offices" further illustrates a desire for a society where individual liberties, particularly gun rights, are overtly prioritized and symbolically represented in public spaces.

This provocative stance aligns with Kauffman's history of pushing boundaries within the political discourse, often generating significant backlash but also rallying his base. The LPNH's social media accounts, often linked to Kauffman, have a track record of controversial statements that have led to investigations and condemnation from across the political spectrum. The tweet exemplifies a deliberate strategy to define New Hampshire's political landscape through highly symbolic and polarizing gestures.