Missouri Governor Pardons Couple Who Pointed Guns at BLM Protesters

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson issued a pardon to Mark and Patricia McCloskey, the St. Louis couple who were charged with waving guns at BLM protesters outside their house last year.

As a group of protesters passed their house in June of 2020, Mark McCloskey was seen holding a semi-automatic rifle, while his wife was holding a handgun. The couple was filmed shouting to the crowd, but no physical altercation took place, per ABC News.

A grand jury indicted the couple in October. They pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and harassment charges in June, surrendered their weapons and were fined a total of $2,750 combined.

The couple argued they were protecting their property during the explosive protests that spread across the country. Mark told reporters outside the courthouse after the hearing that he’d do it again.

“Any time the mob approaches me, I’ll do what I can to put them in imminent threat of physical injury because that’s what kept them from destroying my house and my family,” he said.

Acting in self-defense, the couple became widely known amongst conservatives. The McCloskeys were guest speakers at the Republican National Convention, and several conservative leaders - including Trump - defended their actions.