UPDATE: Governor Issues Pardons for St. Louis Couple that used rifle to ward off protestors on their property
On Friday, July 30, 2021, Governor Mike Parson granted 12 pardons and approved two commutations pursuant to Article IV, Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of Missouri. Official documents have been filed with the appropriate government agencies and are being sent to the individuals.
Pardons:
1) Phillip Vancil
2) Roy Middleton
3) Travis Gilliland
4) Dennis Hargiss
5) Linda Floyd
6) Marlo Finner
7) Kenneth Callahan
8) John Biggs
9) Randy Huggins
10) Jeremy Murray
11) Mark McCloskey 12) Patricia McCloskey
Commutations: 1) Matthew Carrell 2) Deitra Cole Aug 2020
Earlier, St. Louis Police executed a search warrant at the home of Mark and Patricia McCloskey after a confrontation with protesters who had damaged their Home in St Louis in June during protests.
McCloskey presented his case while law enforcement and media whitewashed the protestors:
“A mob of at least 100 smashed through the historic wrought iron gates of Portland Place, destroying them, rushed towards my home where my family was having dinner outside and put us in fear of our lives,” McCloskey said with crime online reporting. .
“This is all private property. There are no public sidewalks or public streets. We were told that we would be killed, our home burned and our dog killed. We were all alone facing an angry mob.”
McCloskey said he spotted people in the crowd with the guns. He said that’s when they decided to get his own gun.
Today Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner issued a statement. “Today my office filed charges against Mark and Patricia McCloskey following an incident involving peaceful, unarmed protesters on June 28th.
”The decision to issue charges was made after a thorough investigation with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, she said.
2nd Amendmend rights activists have been outraged that the Attorney General was siding with the protesters that damaged the property. The couple said they feared for their lives and we’re exercising their Second Amendment rights. (See background below)
As has Senator Josh Hawley, issued this statement last year:
“This morning I have asked the Department of Justice to open a civil rights investigation into the St Louis Circuit Attorneys Office. Targeting law abiding citizens who exercise constitutionally protected rights for investigation & prosecution is an abuse of power.”
He requested the court to dismiss the case:
“Dozens of violent criminals go free but homeowners facing trespassers on their own property are prosecuted. All the more reason for a Justice Dept investigation of the Circuit Attorney’s Office.
“Baseless,” Gardner replied. “Our office will continue to investigate this matter, and will not be bullied by a sitting U.S. Senator or anyone else.”
“The people of St. Louis have elected me to pursue equal justice under the law fairly and impartially, and that is what I intend to do, the AG tweeted today. 7/ I issued charges against an individual who assaulted peaceful demonstrators at the King Louis IX statute on June 27th. I am open to recommending diversion in this case as well.”
“4/ I am open to recommending the McCloskey’s participate in one of my office’s diversion programs that are designed to reduce unnecessary involvement with the courts. I believe this would serve as a fair resolution to this matter.
“2/ It is illegal to wave weapons in a threatening manner at those participating in nonviolent protest, and while we are fortunate this situation did not escalate into deadly force, this type of conduct is unacceptable in St. Louis.
BACKGROUND “It was a big crowd and they were aggressive,” Mark McCloskey told 5 On Your Side. The couple said the protestors were armed and threatening, doing damage to the property.
“The only thing that stopped the crowd from approaching the house was when I had that rifle,” he said.
“One would say in that situation if threatened go inside, lock your doors, and call the police,” Noonan argued.
Missouri is a Castle Doctrine state, permitted among the broadest latitudes of any state in using even deadly force to protect yourself or your property. This couple used NO force, despite the imminent threat from a trespassing mob. The seizure of weapons is government overreach, attorney had stated in defense of a St Louis couple.
Two dozen neighbors had sent a letter condemning the couple for the confrontation to defend the neighborhood’s reputation