Mike Parson says he is prepared to exercise his pardon powers if prosecutors bring criminal charges in the case of a St. Louis couple who brandished firearms at a group of protesters outside their home. Parson, a Republican, told a St. Louis radio station Friday that he thinks a pardon is “exactly what would happen” if Mark and Patricia McCloskey are hit with charges in the June 28 incident captured on video and seen by millions. The protesters were headed to the home of St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson. State prosecutor Kim Gardner launched an investigation, saying, “we will not tolerate the use of force against those exercising their First Amendment rights.” St. Louis police seized a rifle from the couple’s home pursuant to a search warrant. ARMED ST. LOUIS HOMEOWNER SAYS PROTESTERS THREATENED TO KILL HER, MOVE INTO HER HOMEParson told 97.1 FM the McCloskeys "did what they legally should do," according to The Hill newspaper.

Source: Fox News July 19, 2020 14:15 UTC