BREAKING: Charges filed against St. Louis couple who defended their home from BLM mob

St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner filed the charges of unlawful use of a weapon/flourishing according to Channel 5 in St. Louis.

Channel 5 reports that the "unlawful use of a weapon charge is a class D felony and could result in one to four years in prison as well as fines up to $5,000" and that "Gardner's office will be issuing a summons for the couple to appear in court."

The couple defended their property after the mob destroyed the gate to their private residence as they were apparently on their way to Mayor Lyda Krewson's house. Footage from the incident went viral on social media.

St. Louis police had previously executed a search warrant on the home of the McCloskeys and seized their legally-owned rifle despite the fact that they acted within their constitutional rights.

Joel Schwartz, attorney for the McCloskeys issued a statement:

"The charges filed today against my clients, Mark and Patricia McCloskey, are disheartening as I unequivocally believe no crime was committed.

"I, along with my clients, support the First Amendment right of every citizen to have their voice and opinion heard. This right, however, must be balanced with the Second Amendment and Missouri law, which entitle each of us to protect our home and family from potential threats.

"With that being said, given the heightened attention focused on this matter due to the current political environment, I don’t believe it is prudent to comment any further, at this time, or to try this case in the media.

"I look forward to reviewing the evidence and defending the McCloskeys against these allegations."

Missouri Governor Mike Pearson indicated that a pardon may be in the offing for the McCloskeys in the event that they are found guilty.

This is a breaking story and will be updated.