Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt on Monday filed a brief to dismiss the charges filed against St. Louis couple Mark and Patricia McCloskey for pointing guns at a crowd of Black Lives Matter protesters in front of their home.
The development stemmed from the felony unlawful use of a weapon charge filed by St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, the city’s top prosecutor.
The petition “respectfully requests that the Court dismiss this case at the earlier possible opportunity.”
“The right to keep and bear arms is given the highest level of protection in our constitution and our laws, including the Castle Doctrine, which provides broad rights to Missourians who are protecting their property and lives from those who wish to do them harm,” Schmitt said.
He added, “Despite this, Circuit Attorney Gardner filed suit against the McCloskeys, who, according to published reports, were defending their property and safety. As Missouri’s Chief law enforcement officer, I won’t stand by while Missouri law is being ignored.”
Earlier, Missouri Governor Mike Parson said he will pardon the St. Louis couple if prosecutors push through with filing criminal charges.
“A mob does not have the right to charge your property. They had every right to protect themselves,” Parson noted
Republicans have also stood up for the McCloskeys.
Sen. Josh Hawley had sent a letter to United States Attorney General William Barr urging him to take action against Gardner.
Twelve Republican members of the House of Representatives have sent letters to Barr, pushing for ‘decisive action’ to protect Americans from ‘mob rule.’