The Incident That Sparked Controversy
On June 28, 2020, a group of BLM protesters entered the McCloskeys’ private neighborhood in St. Louis, heading toward the former mayor’s home. The couple, both lawyers, claimed they felt threatened by the crowd’s actions, including the destruction of an iron gate. In response, Mark McCloskey brandished an AR-15 rifle, while Patricia McCloskey held a pistol, standing on their property to deter the protesters. No one was injured during the confrontation.
The incident, captured on video, sparked heated debates about gun rights, property protection, and the limits of self-defense. The McCloskeys were charged with unlawful use of a weapon by former St. Louis Democratic prosecutor Kim Gardner, leading to the seizure of their firearms by law enforcement.
A Long Legal Battle for Justice
The McCloskeys’ legal struggle to reclaim their weapons and clear their names spanned over 1,847 days, involving multiple lawsuits and appeals. Key milestones in their case include:
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2020 Charges and Seizure: The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department confiscated the AR-15, while the St. Louis Sheriff’s Department took possession of the pistol. The couple faced charges of unlawful use of a weapon.
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2021 Guilty Plea and Pardon: The McCloskeys pleaded guilty to misdemeanor fourth-degree assault and second-degree harassment. However, former Missouri Governor Mike Parson granted them a pardon, a significant step toward clearing their record.
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2025 Expungement and Victory: Last month, a Missouri appeals court confirmed the expungement of the McCloskeys’ misdemeanor convictions, effectively erasing the incident from their legal record. This ruling paved the way for the return of their AR-15, with Mark McCloskey retrieving it from the police station, as shared in a video on his X account.
Mark McCloskey celebrated the return of his rifle, stating on X, “It only took 3 lawsuits, 2 trips to the Court of Appeals and 1,847 days, but I got my AR15 back!” He emphasized the importance of standing firm, telling Fox News Digital, “You have to let them know that you will never back down, you’ll never give up.”
The Broader Implications of the McCloskeys’ Case
The McCloskeys’ case has become a symbol of the ongoing debate over Second Amendment rights and the right to self-defense. Supporters argue that the couple acted within their rights to protect their home, while critics claim their actions escalated an already tense situation. The legal victory underscores several key points:
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Second Amendment Rights: The return of the McCloskeys’ firearms reinforces the right to bear arms for self-defense, a cornerstone of American constitutional law.
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Legal Perseverance: The couple’s determination to fight through multiple lawsuits and appeals highlights the importance of challenging perceived injustices in the legal system.
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Political Divide: The case reflects broader societal tensions, with Mark McCloskey accusing the “leftist government” and media of persecution. The pardon by former Governor Parson and the dismissal of charges by Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt further illustrate the political dimensions of the case.
What’s Next for the McCloskeys?
Mark McCloskey expects the return of their pistol, which is currently held by the St. Louis Sheriff’s Department, in the coming days. The couple’s legal record has been cleared, allowing them to move forward without the burden of misdemeanor convictions. Their story continues to resonate with those who view it as a triumph of individual rights over governmental overreach.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Mark McCloskey emphasized personal responsibility, saying, “Each and every one of us owns a personal responsibility for our freedom and our democratic republic.” He urged others facing similar challenges to persist, stating, “If you’ve been wronged, if you’ve been overreached by the leftist government — you can’t give up.”