St. Louis attorneys Mark and Patricia McCloskey have successfully reclaimed their AR-15 rifle after a protracted legal struggle that spanned several years. The rifle was seized over five years ago following the 2020 incident in which the couple faced Black Lives Matter protesters on their property. The couple’s efforts to reclaim the weapon culminated in the recent return of the firearm, after a complex legal process that included multiple lawsuits and appeals.
Mark McCloskey expressed relief at the outcome, stating on social media that it took ‘1,847 days’ to retrieve the rifle, which he described as a significant personal and legal victory. The case has drawn attention due to its intersection with broader debates about gun rights, personal defense, and the legal system’s handling of cases involving private property and public protests.
Following the incident, the McCloskeys were initially charged with using a weapon unlawfully by St. Louis’ former Democratic prosecutor, Kim Gardner. However, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt later moved to dismiss those charges. The couple later pleaded guilty to lesser charges, which were subsequently expunged after a court ruling. The legal battle highlights the challenges faced by individuals asserting their rights in the face of law enforcement and public opinion.
Despite the resolution with the rifle, the McCloskeys still await the return of the pistol wielded by Patricia during the confrontation. The weapons were held by different law enforcement agencies, with the AR-15 in the possession of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the pistol with the St. Louis Sheriff’s Department. Mark McCloskey emphasized the importance of standing up against what he perceives as overreach by the government, highlighting the personal responsibility individuals have in defending their freedoms.