Mark and Patricia McCloskey.Photo: Bill Greenblatt/UPI/Shutterstock
Missouri Gov.Mike Parsonhas pardoned the St. Louis couple whofaced chargesafter they pointed guns atBlack Lives Matterprotesters last June.
On Tuesday, Parson, 65, issued 12 pardons and two commutations total, which included Mark and Patricia McCloskey. The Republican governor previously unveiled thelistof those to be pardoned on Friday.
Mark previouslyplead guiltyback in June to misdemeanor fourth-degree assault and was fined $750, while Patricia — who plead guilty to misdemeanor harassment — was fined $2,000, perThe Hill. The couple, both personal injury attorneys, also agreed to surrender the handgun and semi-automatic rifle that they were seen using.
Missouri Governor Mike Parson.BILL GREENBLATT/Shutterstock
The McCloskeys drew national attention in June 2020 when they were seen brandishing the guns outside their home when protesters marched through their gated community amid nationwide protests over the death ofGeorge Floydin Minneapolis.
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Videofrom the June 28 incidentshowed the couple holding guns in front of a large crowd of protesters outside their home. Mark — who has since announced plans to run for U.S. senator from Missouri, perNBC News— was filmed holding a large assault weapon, while Patricia was holding a pistol.
Mark and Patricia were eachcharged with unlawful use of a weaponin July 2020. Regarding their charges, the pair’s attorney previously told PEOPLE that he would “vigorously defend my clients in that not only are they innocent of any criminal offense under the laws of Missouri, they are victims of a brazen political prosecution.”
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Special prosecutor Richard Callahan later agree to reduced charges, saying in a statement that he considered “the age and lack of a criminal record for the McCloskeys, the fact they initially called the police and the fact that no one was hurt and no shots were fired,” the outlet reported.
“The protestors on the other hand were a racially mixed and peaceful group, including women and children, who simply made a wrong turn on their way to protest in front of the mayor’s house,” added Callahan.
Parson said last year that he “most certainly would” pardon the couple if they were convicted, theAP previously reported.
source: people.com
