A Missouri judge has officially cleared Mark and Patricia McCloskey’s misdemeanor records after they brandished firearms during a protest outside their home in June 2020.
The Hill reported that in a landmark decision, a Missouri judge expunged the criminal records of a couple who confronted protesters with weapons.
In June 2020, amidst the nationwide unrest following the death of George Floyd, protesters marched through an upscale neighborhood in St. Louis, passing by the residence of Mark and Patricia McCloskey.
The McCloskeys, both practicing attorneys, perceived the demonstrators as a threat and responded by displaying firearms - an action that swiftly captured global media attention.
The couple’s armed confrontation escalated into a widely public and politically charged issue, drawing reactions from various sectors, including explicit support from then-President Donald Trump. Their actions were interpreted by some as a defense of property and by others as an unnecessary show of intimidation.
Following the incident, the McCloskeys faced legal repercussions and were consequently charged with misdemeanors.
They entered guilty pleas; however, their legal battle continued as they sought to clear their names fully. Their cause was somewhat bolstered when Missouri Governor Mike Parson pardoned them in July 2021, demonstrating a significant level of state support.
Despite the governor’s pardon, challenges lingered for the McCloskeys. A later judicial ruling in December 2022 concluded that their confiscated firearms would not be returned, leaving the couple in a prolonged state of legal limbo regarding their property.
Adding to their professional challenges, both faced suspensions of their legal licenses—a professional setback linked directly to their actions during the protests.
Their appeal to have these suspensions overturned reached as far as the Supreme Court but was unsuccessful.
In the wake of the incident and amidst the ongoing legal controversies, Mark McCloskey briefly ventured into politics. He ran for a Senate seat in May 2021, aiming to succeed retiring Senator Roy Blunt.
However, his political aspirations were short-lived; he secured only 3% of the vote in the primary, underscoring the divisive nature of his and his wife’s actions among voters.
Earlier this week, Missouri Judge Joseph P. Whyte granted the McCloskeys a significant legal victory by expunging their misdemeanor convictions.
The judge noted that expungement serves to provide a second chance to individuals who have shown signs of rehabilitation.
The decision to expunge the McCloskeys' record isn't just about erasing a legal blemish. It is symbolic, providing closure to a controversial chapter in their lives. Still, Mark McCloskey has escalated matters further by demanding the return of the two seized firearms—a Colt AR-15 and a Bryco .380-caliber pistol—involved in the 2020 incident.
If the city fails to return the firearms, Mark McCloskey has threatened significant legal actions.
In his words, “If it does not return my Colt AR-15 rifle and a Bryco .380-caliber pistol,” he will sue the city. This ongoing dispute underscores the lasting implications of the incident, as it continues to resonate through legal, professional, and political realms.
In conclusion, the expungement of the McCloskeys’ convictions by Judge Whyte is a pivotal moment in a saga that has touched on several profound American concerns, including gun rights, property defense, and racial justice protests. While the legal narratives may have resolved, the broader cultural and societal debates ignited by the incident remain active and contentious. The couple’s struggle with professional setbacks and their brief political ventures add layers to an already complex story. This chapter may have closed, but the discussions it sparked are far from over.