Gun-Waving St. Louis Couple Plead Not Guilty To 2 Felony Charges

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Mark and Patricia McCloskey leave a court hearing Wednesday in St. Louis. The McCloskeys pleaded not guilty to unlawful use of a weapon and tampering with evidence.

Jeff Roberson/AP

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Jeff Roberson/AP

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The charges are the result of a confrontation between protesters and the McCloskeys on June 28.

Protesters were marching down the private street en route to the home of St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson. The McCloskeys were seen on video outside of their mansion brandishing firearms. Mark McCloskey carried an AR-15 rifle, while Patricia had her finger on the trigger of a semi-automatic handgun.

St. Louis police issued trespassing summonses to nine protesters for entering private property, but the City Counselor’s Office opted not to pursue charges against the individuals.

The McCloskeys, personal injury lawyers in their 60s with a history of suing their neighbors, have blamed «leftist» Democrats in St. Louis government for the charges against them. Their attorney, Joel Schwartz, says President Trump has taken an interest in the McCloskeys’ case.

«They have spoken with the president,» Schwartz said after Wednesday’s hearing, The Associated Press reports. «The president contacts them semi-frequently.»

• Patricia McCloskey
• Mark McCloskey
• black lives matter
• St. Louis