Parson said he spoke to Trump on the phone about the case. At the same press conference, the governor expressed his belief that the couple should not face charges.
Joel Schwartz, the couple’s attorney, told CNN that he expected charges to be filed earlier Tuesday.
By Tuesday night, Gardner’s office released a statement on Twitter on his behalf.
Gardner does not specifically mention which case she is referring to in her statement, nor does she explain how the governor or president allegedly pursued her.
“Today, both the Governor and Donald Trump came after me for doing my job and investigating a case. As they continue to play politics with the handling of this matter, spreading misinformation and distorting the truth, I refuse to do so. As always Yes, I am reviewing all the available facts and the law and will apply them equally, regardless of the people involved. “
Gardner previously told CNN in a statement that she was alarmed by the McCloskeys-related events and that her office is investigating.
“Make no mistake: We will not tolerate the use of force against those who exercise their First Amendment rights, and we will use the full power of Missouri law to hold people accountable,” he said earlier this month.
CNN has reached out to Gardner’s office, the Missouri Governor’s office, and the White House for further comment.
Videos previously obtained by CNN show McCloskey, with a long rifle, and his wife, with a pistol, outside their home on June 28. They were seen brandishing weapons as protesters walked outside the house, protesting Mayor Lyda Krewson’s decision to publish the names. and addresses of people in favor of police reform. The private street where the McCloskeys live is near Krewson’s house.
“I was a person scared for my life, I was protecting my wife, my home, my home, my livelihood. I was the victim of a mob that came through the door,” McCloskey said at the time.
He said it is “ridiculous” to consider him the face of opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement after the incident.
“I didn’t care what color they were. I didn’t care what their motivation was,” McCloskey said. “I was scared. I was robbed.”
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