Kyle Rittenhouse, accused of killing two people and injuring another during demonstrations in Kenosha, Wisconsin.  (Photo: Nam Y. Huh / Reuters)

Norfolk, April 24 (RHC)-- A Norfolk, Virgina police officer who made a small donation to the legal defense fund of Kyle Rittenhouse -- accused of killing two people and injuring one other during protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last August -- was removed from his position for violating the institution's policies.

Lt. William Kelly, who served in the Norfolk Police Department's internal affairs division, was fired after it was discovered that he made an anonymous $25 contribution to Rittenhouse's legal defense fund and expressed his support for the defendant: "God bless you.  Thank you for your courage.  Keep your head up.  You have done nothing wrong," the officer wrote in a message accompanying the donation.

According to reports, the police department in Virginia began an internal investigation against Kelly when a group of activists made public the list of anonymous donors who, through the Christian 'funder' GiveSendGo, raised more than 500,000 dollars for that cause.  The amount raised has been used to cover the defendant's legal representation expenses.