In a significant development, a judge has expunged the misdemeanor convictions of Mark and Patricia McCloskey, the St. Louis couple who famously stood armed outside their mansion during a 2020 protest.

This decision not only clears their criminal records but also ignites a new chapter in their ongoing battle to reclaim their firearms.

What Scared the Media?

The McCloskeys, both attorneys, gained national attention in June 2020 when they were photographed and filmed brandishing an AR-15 rifle and a semi-automatic pistol as protesters marched past their home. The protestors were headed to demonstrate in front of St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson’s house, but they entered the private street where the McCloskeys live. The couple argued they felt threatened and were protecting their property from what they described as an “angry mob.”

The incident occurred amid the nationwide protests following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The images of the couple standing their ground quickly became a symbol in the heated debates over gun rights, property rights, and racial justice.

Legal Battles & Expungement

After the incident, the McCloskeys faced legal challenges. They were charged with unlawful use of a weapon, a felony, but later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and harassment. Despite receiving a pardon from Missouri Governor Mike Parson in July 2021, they could not initially reclaim their firearms due to a court ruling that the guns must be forfeited.

However, Judge Joseph P. Whyte’s recent ruling to expunge their misdemeanor convictions has given the couple another win. The judge’s order emphasized that expungement provides individuals with a second chance once they have “rehabilitated” themselves.

Following the expungement, Mark McCloskey has been vocal about his intentions. “It’s time for the city to cough up my guns,” he declared.

He has threatened legal action if the city does not return his AR-15 rifle and his wife’s Bryco .380-caliber pistol. The couple argues that the expungement should clear the way for them to regain their weapons, which were seized as part of their guilty plea.

Political & Social Implications

The McCloskey case has been a flashpoint in the broader debate over gun rights in America. Supporters, including many conservative politicians and Second Amendment advocates, view the couple as heroes defending their home and rights. Former President Donald Trump and other Republican figures have praised them for their actions. Conversely, critics argue that their response was excessive and dangerous, exacerbating tensions during a period of social unrest.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson says Trump wants to intervene in case of St. Louis couple who pointed guns at protesters – The Washington Post https://t.co/UGViPMFHSo

— Jacob Heilbrunn (@JacobHeilbrunn) July 15, 2020

The legal saga has seen various twists and turns, including appeals that reached the Missouri Supreme Court, which refused to hear the case. The controversy has also had a political dimension, with Mark McCloskey briefly running for a Senate seat in 2021, although he failed in the primary.

Ongoing Fight for Rights

Despite the legal and political setbacks, the McCloskeys have remained steadfast in their resolve. They argue that their actions were a legitimate exercise of their right to self-defense and property protection under the Second Amendment. The couple has continued to advocate for gun rights and has become vocal opponents of what they perceive as an overreach by government authorities and anti-gun Soro-backed prosecutors.

The expungement of their records is seen by many supporters as a victory for the McCloskeys and a step towards reclaiming their rights. The couple’s demand for the return of their firearms is the latest in a series of actions aimed at restoring what they believe has been unjustly taken from them.

Stay Armed

As the McCloskeys await the city’s response to their demand, the broader implications of their case continue to reverberate. The outcome will likely influence ongoing debates over gun control, self-defense rights, and the legal boundaries of protecting one’s property.

In the meantime, the couple remains determined to get their guns back and continue their fight. “We’ll do whatever it takes,” said Mark McCloskey. “This is not just about us; it’s about standing up for everyone’s rights.”

The St. Louis couple’s story reminds us to stay strong and stand our ground both at home and against the legal system. As they move forward, the McCloskeys’ case will undoubtedly remain a touchstone for discussions on these critical issues.

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