Missouri Governor Mike Parson shared his desire to pardon a couple facing criminal charges after aiming firearms at protesters during a radio interview.
READ MORE: St. Louis couple point multiple guns at protesters in viral video
In a recent conversation with host Marc Cox on KFTK 97.1 FM, the governor highlighted his stance on several hot topics including couple Mark and Patricia McCloskey and their decision to point guns at protesting citizens last month. He shared his willingness to pardon the pair before they are even convicted of a crime.
“By all means, I would, and I think that’s exactly what would happen,” he says when asked about a possible pardon upon conviction, according to the St. Louis Post- Dispatch.
He continues, “if this is all about going after them because they … did a lawful act, then, yeah, if that scenario in fact happened, I don’t think they’re going to spend any time in jail.”
The McCloskey’s now face felony unlawful use of a weapon according to CNN.
“It is illegal to wave weapons in a threatening manner at those participating in nonviolent protest, and while we are fortunate this situation did not escalate into deadly force, this type of conduct is unacceptable in St. Louis,” Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner said in a statement according to the news outlet.
READ MORE: Oklahoma’s governor says he has tested positive for COVID-19
Governor Parson also shared his stance that despite COVID-19, school for children will resume this fall.
“These kids have got to get back to school,” he says on the radio show.
He goes on to claim, “They’re at the lowest risk possible. And if they do get COVID-19, which they will — and they will when they go to school — they’re not going to the hospitals. They’re not going to have to sit in doctor’s offices. They’re going to go home and they’re going to get over it,” according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
State Auditor Nicole Galloway, the opposing candidate to Parson for the governor role, says the current leader’s statements jeopardize public health.
“We can’t afford a full term of his “leadership.” We need a governor who will make their health and safety her priority. So please, help me defeat Mike Parson,” she writes on Twitter.
Dr. Alex Garza, incident commander of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force, acknowledged the comments in an email reports the St. Lous Post-Dispatch.
“We worry about those in school who are not children — teachers, support staff and volunteers. Many of those people will have a much more serious response to the virus and that is what we want to avoid. These children could also come home and spread the virus to others in their household who could also be at a greater risk of a serious outcome,” he writes.
The Missouri school reopening guide, last updated July 16 details plans including frequent testing and advising sick individuals to stay home.
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