St. Louis’ top prosecutor on Monday charged a white husband and wife with felony unlawful use of a weapon for displaying guns during a racial injustice protest outside their home.

Mike and Patricia McCloskey, who are both personal injury attorneys in their 60’s, also face a misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree assault.

“It is illegal to wave weapons in a threatening manner, that is unlawful in the city of St. Louis,” Circuit attorney Kim Gardner told the Associated Press.

The couple’s attorney, Joel Schwatz said in a statement, “the decision to charge is disheartening as I unequivocally believe no crime was committed.”

Supporters of the McCloskey’s said they were legally defending their $1.15 million home.

Several Republican leaders have condemned Gardner’s investigation, including President Trump, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, Sen. Josh Hawley, and Rep. Ben Baker.  Hawley has urged Attorney General William Barr to undertake a civil rights investigation of Gardner.

Governor Parson said in a radio interview Friday that he would likely pardon the couple if they were charged and convicted.

Gardner, St. Louis’ first black circuit attorney declined to discuss why she decided the castle doctrine didn’t apply.  The McCloskey’s are white.  Gov. Parson, when he was in legislation, co-authored Missouri’s “castle doctrine” law that justifies deadly force for those who are defending their homes from intruders.  The Governor said that the McCloskey’s “had every right to protect their property.”

We would also like to remind you that the Black Lives Matter protesters busted down a gate and went onto private property in a gated community, which is against the law. They have yet to be charged.

This is an ongoing story and will be updated as necessary.