Southeast Missouri’s congressman introduced a bill yesterday in reaction to charges against a St. Louis couple, who he said were defending their home and property. Congressman Jason Smith, one of the authors of the Missouri castle doctrine legislation, introduced the American Family and Private Property Defense Act yesterday. This legislation guarantees American families have the right to defend their home and their private property.
Smith’s action comes after St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner filed charges against Mark and Patricia McCloskey on Monday night.
Specifically, Smith’s legislation prevents a U.S. citizen from being prosecuted for the use of force against an intruder as long as that force was used to protect themselves, another individual, or private property. It allows force to be used without first retreating.
Smith called the charges politically motivated and an abuse of power.