The St. Louis couple who were seen in a viral video over the summer pointing guns at a group of Black Lives Matter protesters were among a list of speakers during night one of the Republican National Convention. Mark and Patricia McCloskey made headlines in June when they were filmed holding guns on protesters who were marching on a private street, actions they are now facing charges for, and they grabbed headlines again Monday night when they warned that the same could be coming to more suburban streets across America if President Donald Trump is not re-elected.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2020
In a pre-recorded speech that mostly mirrored Trump’s language regarding the Black Lives Matter movement and racial issues, the McCloskeys issued a stark warning: “What you saw happen to us could just as easily happen to any of you who are watching from quiet neighborhoods around our country.” They claimed that Democrats “no longer view the government’s job as protecting honest citizens from criminals, but rather protecting criminals from honest citizens.” They claimed that they were charged with felonies “for daring to defend our home” and dubbed the protesters “Marxist liberal activists” and “criminals.” They went on to claim that Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden would “abolish the suburbs,” bringing “low-quality apartments” and rising crime to “flourishing” suburban neighborhoods. Patricia, meanwhile, warned, “make no mistake: No matter where you live, your family will not be safe in the radical Democrats’ America.”
Videos by PopCulture.com
The speech, unsurprisingly, sparked a flurry of responses on social media, making the couple go viral a second time. Following their grim warning and what some viewed as hyperbolic rhetoric, social media was ablaze with comments. Keep scrolling to see what social media had to say about their address.
I agree with the RNC that this couple really truly does represent the Republican party!https://t.co/mYHJ7nZDhJ
— Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) August 25, 2020
Honestly thought that was Carole Baskin. https://t.co/En0DjTfv24
— The Seahorse Captain (@sliikriick) August 25, 2020
I can’t believe unarmed protesters walking peacefully were not arrested, and a couple of kooks waving guns at them, were.
— GVF (@i_gvf) August 25, 2020
What the heck is wrong with America?
Literally nothing happened to them. Nothing. Nah-thing. And they’re afraid of being destroyed? I’m thinking we should be afraid of those willing to point guns at non-violent protesters, willing to kill a group of people walking down the street.
— Dominic Zappia (@dominiczappia) August 25, 2020
Why does this look like its from the Purge! https://t.co/OT985ztCYx
— Travis (@_TRAV23) August 25, 2020
I cannot believe this isn’t satire. https://t.co/vnWnYdkS7a
— Alisha Rouse (@AlishaRouse) August 25, 2020
The McCloskeys weren’t standing up for their rights. They were terrorizing people because they looked different and didn’t share thd McCloskey’s values. It’s very clear. This was racism, pure and simple.
— I’m Just Dan (@DanielAshley13) August 25, 2020
You know who I don’t want moving into my suburban neighborhood? Mark and Patricia McCloskey. I just watched their RNC speech. Vile fear mongers. They make my skin crawl. pic.twitter.com/f6r6Gkishm
— Sea Tea (@Tierno158) August 25, 2020
The gun toting people really were part of the evening’s festivities. They dressed up for this, their big moment. They still look a little scary to me though. I am glad they left their guns inside their house this time.
— LAK Boston (@LAKBOSTON) August 25, 2020
What “happened” to you exactly?
— Over 177,000 Americans are dead (@Next_Democrats) August 25, 2020
A protest occurred near your house and you drew your guns on unarmed protesters.
Kept seeing people say they looked like they were from The Purge, had to jog my memory but, uh, yeah, pretty much yeah. https://t.co/huoiF2GkRl pic.twitter.com/uQDU2LpyTR
— Joel Rush (@JoelRushNBA) August 25, 2020
Here enjoy your propaganda with a spoon https://t.co/GIbgbR55nv
— 🌨🌨KobotTheRobot🌨🌨 (@KobotTheRobot) August 25, 2020
Waaa I’m rich and we thought our lives were in danger, even though it a single protestor was on are actual property.
— Leanna Manley (@YensidLeanna46) August 25, 2020
Fear. Mongering.
— Austin McCourt (@McCourt58) August 25, 2020
Most Viewed
-
A defocused police car sits behind crime scene tape with flashing lights at night. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) -
Side-by-side: Images of Tim Allen, Stefan Gossler and Jackie Chan (Credit: Christian JENTZ/Gamma-Rapho // Franziska Krug/Getty Images // Stephane Cardinale/Corbis) -
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 20: Bijou Phillips attends the World Premiere of "Infinite Icon: A Visual Memoir" at AMC The Grove 14 on January 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) -
Beverly Hills, CA – January 31, 2026: Jelly Roll, left, and Bunnie Xo, right, pose for portraits on the red carpet during the 68th GRAMMY Awards Pre-GRAMMY Gala & GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Avery Lipman & Monte Lipman at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 in Beverly Hills, CA. Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy party hosts an array of A-listers from entertainment, sports, and politics to come together and enjoy performances. (Kayla Bartkowski/ Los Angeles Times) -
WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM – APRIL 20: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Prince Andrew, Duke of York attends the traditional Easter Sunday Mattins Service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on April 20, 2025 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images) -
Netflix logo (Credit: Netflix) -
PARK CITY, UTAH – JANUARY 25: Brandi Glanville attends the PBM Princess x Kemo Sabe red carpet event special screening of Rachel Strauss’ Documentary "Side Effects May Include” during Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2026 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Rachel Strauss)
