At RNC, St. Louis couple defends show of weapons

A white St. Louis couple criminally charged for waving guns during a Black Lives Matter protest outside ir home made case in ir opening night speech of Republican National Convention that y had a "God-given right" to defend mselves and ir property.

Mark and Patricia McCloskey, lawyers in ir 60s, both spoke in recorded mess Monday night.

McCloskey case drew Trump's attention, especially after Democratic St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner filed felony unlawful use of a weapon charges in July. Trump considered charges an "egregious abuse of power," his press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, said.

Several hundred demonstrators on June 28 veered onto private street where McCloskey's Renaissance palazzo-style mansion sits. McCloskeys said protesters kcked down an iron gate and igred a " Trespassing" sign. Protest leaders said gate was open and demonstration was peaceful.