Klint Ludwig, the grandson of Andrew Lester, the 84-year-old white man who shot a 16-year-old Black boy named Ralph Yarl when he accidentally knocked on his door in Kansas City, Missouri, claims his grandfather is a racist conservative Trump supporter. Klint Ludwig condemned his grandfather in an interview on CNN, calling the attack a “horrible tragedy” and saying he was “disgusted” by his Grandpa’s actions.
Klint Ludwig claimed his grandfather had become conspiratorial and made “weird racist things” after watching conservative media outlets such as FOX News. He accused Lester of having “racist tendencies” and becoming radicalized by toxic views over the last five years.
Yarl arrived at Lester’s house in Kansas City by mistake while attempting to pick up his younger siblings, who were staying at a different address. Lester answered the door while armed with a loaded revolver and fired at Yarl through a glass door when Yarl rang the doorbell. Yarl was struck in the head and right arm but survived. Lester told police that he suspected the teen was attempting to break into his home after noticing Yarl yanking on the outer door handle. Yarl told investigators he never pulled on the door handle and was patiently waiting for someone to answer the bell he rang.
Lester has been charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action and pleaded not guilty. He surrendered to police, appeared in court, and later posted $200,000 bail before being released from jail. Yarl’s attorney, Lee Merritt, posted a photo of the two back at Ralph’s home, indicating that he is doing well. Meanwhile, Ludwig spoke out about his grandfather’s actions, saying that people need to speak out and not make any excuses for this kind of behavior and violence.