The governor of Missouri pardoned an American couple who pointed guns at anti-racist protesters outside their home in 2020, the office of the president of this conservative central US state announced on Tuesday.

Mark and Patricia McCloskey, both attorneys, pleaded guilty last month to assault and stalking charges, respectively. They were sentenced to fines of $ 750 and $ 2,000 by a St. Louis court.

The couple was initially charged with the crime of misuse of weapons. Both appeared in a video barefoot outside their luxurious home pointing guns and shouting at peaceful protesters from the Black Lives Matter movement protesting racism and police abuse on June 28, 2020.

Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson pardoned the couple last week, having vowed to do so since the case began in a state where conservatives vigorously defend the McCloskeys’ conduct.

“It is illegal to use weapons in a threatening manner towards peaceful protesters.” San Luis prosecutor Kimberly Gardner said in a statement when she indicted the couple last year.

The McCloskeys became the image symbolizing the rift between conservative white and African-American Americans crying out for justice.

They even became heroes of the conservative cause during last year’s presidential election, predicting that Democrats would withdraw rights related to the possession and bearing of weapons.

“Make no mistake: no matter where you live, your family will not be safe in America from radical Democrats,” said Patricia McCloskey in a video supporting Donald Trump.

In May, Mark McCloskey announced the launch of his campaign for Missouri Senator in Congress.

In an election video, he highlighted the threat the couple allegedly faced from protesters.

“When a rabid horde came to destroy my house and kill my family, I objected.” He said before adding: “I will never take a step back.”

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