A couple charged with brandishing guns at Black Lives Matter protesters claimed they have a “God-given right” to defend themselves as they were given a platform at the Republican National Convention.
Mark and Patricia McCloskey, lawyers in their sixties, were charged with unlawful use of a weapon in July after they were pictured waving a rifle and a pistol in their front garden as a demonstration passed by their St Louis home.
Speaking from their home, Mrs McCloskey said: “What you saw happen to us could just as easily happen to any of you who are watching from quiet neighbourhoods around our country.
“Make no mistake, no matter where you live, your family will not be safe in the radical Democrats’ America.”
Her husband said they had been charged for “daring to defend our home”, adding: “The radicals are not content just marching in the streets. They want to walk the halls of Congress.”
If convicted they face a possible jail sentence but it is likely they would be told to take a rehabilitation programme.
