Wednesday, July 22, 2020

The Politics Of Prosecution



Felony charges against a St. Louis couple who brandished guns as protesters flooded their private residential property are an affront to the rule of law.

You’ve seen the video of Mark and Patricia McCloskey standing on their front porch as 300 protesters broke through a locked gate and stared them down. The protestors were on their way to the St. Louis mayor’s home to demand her resignation.

The chief prosecutor in St. Louis, Kim Gardner, says it is illegal to display weapons in a threatening manner to “those participating in a nonviolent protest.” How did the McCloskey’s know the intent of the people who were trespassing? It had been only days after a very violent night in the city where people died and businesses were looted. Police say they arrested 36 people on the night of the riots who were back on the street the next day. KSDK in St. Louis says only two have been served city ordinance violations. They got a pass…but Gardner charged the McCloskey’s with a felony.

Let's be clear. You and I have a right to protect our property and our loved ones. Missouri is one of 26 states with the Castle Doctrine. The doctrine is a defense of habitation law. It states people have protections and immunities at their homes and the right to use force to defend their property against intruders.

This is a politically charged move by an opportunist…somebody who isn’t as worried about prosecuting crime….as being lauded on CNN.

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