Missouri Gov. Parson Pardons Gun-Wielding Couple, Mark & Patricia McCloskey

Gov. Mike Parson (R-Missouri) has pardoned the couple who wielded guns at social justice protestors last summer. Mark McCloskey and Patricia McCloskey, stood on their lawn holding a handgun and long rifle while protestors walked by their house in a posh neighborhood in St. Louis. The couple pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge and faced heavy fines.

McCloskey defended his use of firearms, saying he was “in imminent fear the (protesters) would run me over, kill me.” Parson approved 12 pardons and two commutations, among them the McCloskey’s case.

The decision has been controversial and was critiqued by House Minority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Missouri). “It is beyond disgusting that Mark and Patricia McCloskey admitted they broke the law and within weeks are rewarded with pardons, yet men like Kevin Strickland, who has spent more than 40 years in prison for crimes even prosecutors now say he didn’t commit, remain behind bars with no hope of clemency,” Quade posted a statement on Facebook. “The contrast between the governor’s treatment of these cases should offend every Missourian’s sense of justice. It also proves the governor doesn’t have one.”

Parson has yet to comment publically.