Missouri Governor Mike Parson has pardoned Mark McCloskey and Patricia McCloskey, who both practice as personal injury lawyers in St Louis, NPR reports.

The couple faced criminal charges after their confrontation with protesters, who were marching peacefully through the city. Mr McCloskey pointed an AR-15-style rifle at protesters while Mrs McCloskey waved a semi-automatic pistol. No shots were fired.

Mr McCloskey pleaded guilty to misdemeanour fourth-degree assault in June and was fined $750. Mrs McCloskey pleaded guilty to misdemeanour harassment and was fined $2,000.

Attorney Joel Schwartz, representing the couple, said: “Mark McCloskey has publicly stated that if he were involved in the same situation, he would have the exact same conduct. He believes that the pardon vindicates that conduct.”