KENOSHA, Wis. (KMOX) - St. Louis attorney and Republican congressional candidate Mark McCloskey and his wife Patricia were in Kenosha, Wisconsin supporting Kyle Rittenhouse who is facing charges for killing two men and shooting a third.
McCloskey said he and his wife went through a "similar" situation as Rittenhouse.
"We're here to support Kyle. We're hoping the jury acquits on all counts," McCloskey says. "Obviously we've had a similar, although not so dramatic experience in our own life, we feel this all is politically motivated and that Kyle did nothing but defend himself, as did we, a year ago."
Rittenhouse, 18, faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison if convicted of the most serious charge against him: first-degree intentional homicide. Prosecutor Thomas Binger called Rittenhouse a “wannabe soldier” who was "looking for trouble" after multiple nights of civil unrest, looting and protests in the August 2020.
Jurors will begin deliberations Tuesday, after two weeks of testimony.
The McCloskeys faced federal gun charges after they stood on their Central West End lawn with guns to protect themselves from protestors marching around their home. They said they felt threatened by the "angry mob" that ignored the "No Trespassing" sign and broke down an iron gate.
They were charged with unlawful use of a weapon and evidence tampering in connection with the incident, but those charges were lessened to misdemeanors and fines after a plea deal which involved them giving up the guns they used.
McCloskey is running for the U.S. Senate seat in Missouri that will open next year, as Sen. Roy Blunt announced he won't seek re-election.
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