McCloskeys put on probation as attorneys by Missouri Supreme Court
Mark McCloskey said he may appeal the state court's ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A Missouri couple who held guns outside their home when a group of protesters entered their private St. Louis neighborhood in June 2020 were put on probation as attorneys Tuesday by the Missouri Supreme Court and could have their licenses suspended if they violate the terms.
Mark McCloskey pleaded guilty to misdemeanor fourth-degree assault over the incident involving Black Lives Matter protesters and paid a $750 fine. His wife, Patricia McCloskey, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor harassment and was ordered to pay a $2,000 fine.
The couple was pardoned by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson last year.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Mark McCloskey, who is now running for a U.S. Senate seat in the state, said he was disappointed by the court's ruling and may appeal it to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Mark and Patricia McCloskey walk outside the Kenosha County Courthouse on Nov. 16, 2021, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. (Associated Press)
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"I think the reason why we were asked to be suspended had more to do with politics than anything else," McCloskey said. "But we respect the Supreme Court's opinion, although we disagree. ... We will comply 100% with the orders."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Armed homeowners Mark and Patricia McCloskey stand outside their house as they confront protesters marching to St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson's house on June 28, 2020. (Getty Images)
McCloskey said he and his wife were shocked by the charges "for doing what we thought was right." They have said they felt threatened by the protesters when they brought out an AR-15-style rifle and a semi-automatic pistol.
The court gave the McCloskeys a delayed suspension on their licenses, meaning it would go into effect if they violate their parole.
The suspension had been sought by the office headed by Missouri Chief Disciplinary Counsel Alan Pratzel, which oversees ethical complaints against Missouri lawyers.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"The folks that support me know what I did, why I did it and support me for having done it," McCloskey said.
The motion for the suspension noted the pardon but said "the person’s guilt remains."
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In their ruling the judges said despite the pardon, the couple "committed a misdemeanor offense involving moral turpitude."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.