Its the first time a U.S. president has sought to interrupt the peaceful transfer of power. New Mexico and ABQ News, Sports, Business and more, By Nicole Maxwell / Alamogordo Daily News Evans resigned shortly after the insurrection and before he was charged, but he has flirted with an attempted political comeback. Arrietaexplained that this case does not warrant a jury trial since the April 8 hearing was most likely to be the only hearing in the case and that a verdict was not to be administered and if a recall petition is successful and a recall election imminent, then the voters of Otero County's District 2 would be the jury. Griffin's defense lawyers plan to argue that, because Pence was rushed away amid the mayhem of January 6, the Capitol grounds were no longer a restricted, Secret Service-protected area by the time he was there. Griffin invoked free speech protections in declining to register and disclose the donors to Cowboys for Trump and expressed concern that financial contributors might be harassed. A New Mexico judge on Tuesday removed Otero County commissioner Couy Griffin by invoking the 14th Amendments prohibition on those who engaged in insurrection from serving in office. "The Committee to Recall Couy Griffin is very pleased that we have been found with probable cause, no less for all five of the allegations we presented.". As per edailybuzz, Couy Griffin is married to his wife, Kourtnie A Gates. A Senate Judiciary Committee report stated that Mastriano and his wife took part in the January 6 insurrection, with video footage confirming that they passed through breached barricades and police lines at the U.S. Capitol. (Mastriano has said he never entered the Capitol itself, and he has been charged with no crimes.). Unlike that trial, which featured felony charges, Griffin was accused only of misdemeanor offenses. City of Albuquerque goes to court to shut down City says the property puts the community at risk, but owner says it's unfair to blame businesses for Albuquerque crime and homelessness, Albuquerque Police: Man shoots self, unintentionally kills woman. How Republicans became the party of Trumps election lie after Jan. 6, It is wild to see that he was in a loading dock in an underground parking garage beneath the Capitol complex, Karl said during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. There was no place to sit, no desk, no chairs, nothing.. The office alleged Griffin misused campaign donations associated with Cowboys for Trump to pay child support for his son. In closing arguments Wednesday, prosecutors argued that Griffin used Cowboys for Trump to explicitly link political advocacy to appeals for online donations while flouting registration and financial disclosure requirements for political committees. All I know is if the Chairman of the Otero Co GOP is willing to try and smoke a citizen there must be some major fire that needs to be extinguished. Biden enlists potential rivals as advisers ahead of 2024, Their toddler took a nap in an Airbnb and fentanyl killed her, removed Otero County commissioner Couy Griffin, to disqualify Socialist Rep. Victor Berger in 1919, sought to disqualify several members of Congress. Get the latest news delivered right to your email. That's what Otero County's District 2 Commissioner Couy Griffin alleged at a May 17 gathering in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Still waiting on jury deliberations. Couy Griffin, who was charged for breaching the Capitol grounds on Jan. 6, is disappointed the former president didn't follow through on his promise to jail Hillary Clinton. Wednesday's emergency proclamation in the counties of Amador, Kern, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Mono, Nevada, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Sierra, Sonoma and Tulare will . The text of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment states (key parts bolded): The last time elected officials were disqualified from office using the 14th Amendment appears to be 1869, shortly after the Civil War and the ratification of the 14th Amendment. But this is also a man who beat a Mom and Pop business that has 5 kids out of thousands of dollars. Struck received immunity for his testimony. Subscribe now to access decluttered news, chosen by you. Indeed, Griffin has been that talk of the town since the news of his arrest swirled in the media. The ruling comes after lawyers for Griffin's ex-wife, Kourtnie, filed an emergency motion in May to modify their custody and visitation agreement. After all, these family businesses are struggling and Couy has his hand out for discounts or free. The ruling comes after lawyers for Griffins ex-wife, Kourtnie, filed an emergency motion in May to modify their custody and visitation agreement. Cowboys for Trump co-founder Couy Griffin was found not guilty Wednesday of a misdemeanor charge of failing to register a political committee at a trial in southern New Mexico . A jury will consider this week whether the support group Cowboys for Trump and cofounder Couy Griffin violated state election law by failing to register as a political organization without. They claimed Griffin was a politician in his own right who clearly advocated for Trump while the president was a candidate for re-election and that Griffin also promoted political positions on border enforcement, gun rights and more. But his defenses claim that prosecutors must prove that Griffin knew that Pence was present at the Capitol or planned to return also poses ramifications for hundreds of others charged with a similar misdemeanor count. So it becomes a security issue when they [rioters] were surrounding a secure site and potentially taking away options for our routes out, said Hawa, who is a veteran of the force for 23 years and served as the Pence security details liaison for his trip to the Capitol. . The verdict from a 12-member jury capped a two-day trial in Alamogordo, the community where Griffin served as an Otero County commissioner until he was banished from office last year for his role in the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. If you find yourself getting wet over an elected official you are no longer using your mind or good senses. Nothing is more foul and disgusting than hero worship. Griffin invoked free speech protections in declining to register and disclose donors to Cowboys for Trump, while expressing concern that financial contributors might be harassed. CNN A federal judge on Tuesday found Couy Griffin, a founder of Cowboys for Trump and the second January 6 defendant to go on trial as part of the Justice Department's massive prosecution,. When asked whether he and Griffin had decided it would be "inappropriate" to enter the Capitol building, Struck replied, "I don't think we discussed that.". (AP Photo/Morgan Lee, File), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Griffin ignores the fact that his position as an elected official puts him in a different and nonprotected category from other rioters, McFadden said. In August 2019, Griffin went to Washington, D.C., for a conference. The board ultimately certified the election on a 2-1 vote with Griffin casting the lone no vote. Karl, ABCs chief Washington correspondent, said last November in promoting his new book, Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show, that he had seen images taken by a White House photographer with Pence that day showing where he, his wife, Karen, and daughter Charlotte Pence Bond waited out the Capitol breach. Hemel added: I wouldnt want Couy Griffin to be my county commissioner, or anyones county commissioner, but I think defenders of democracy need to think long and hard about whether judicial disqualification is the wisest approach.. Is the only good Democrat a dead Democrat? Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. All I did was stand on the steps of the Capitol and pray with people, thats it.. FILE - In this March 12, 2019, file photo, Otero County Commissioner and Cowboys for Trump founder Coy Griffin denounces gun control and pro-abortion rights bills in the New Mexico State Legislature at a protest outside the Statehouse in Santa Fe, N.M. Wearing his signature black cowboy hat, "Cowboys for Trump" founder Couy Griffin arrived Monday at a federal courthouse just blocks from the Capitol to stand trial on charges stemming from his . the judge asked. It would be helpful if they would take this opportunity to rule really for the first time what Section 3 means.. Griffins actions have been selfish and place the minor child at risk, in addition to his ex-wifes unborn child, Rosner said. Griffin chose to drive his own personal diesel-fueled pickup truck with large C4T stickers on the drivers and passenger side doors, court records state. But she did not take her minor child to war with her as Couy Griffin is doing by taking their son to President Donald Trump campaign events during a pandemic, the attorneys said. Whether its riding for Israel or doing the Covid Canter. Couy Griffin has been reported as one of the men involved in the riots at the U.S. Capitol that occurred on January 6, 2021. Last year, he became the first elected official to be banished from elected office in connection with the Capitol incursion. As per the United States District Courts affidavit for the District, he was arrested for violating the law, entering the restricted building without lawful authority. Griffins disqualification from office is not only retroactive to Jan. 6, 2021; he is also barred for life from holding any civil or military office in the future. (Gemunu Amarasinghe / AP), Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. The motion said Couy Griffin "has publicly. For the first time since the War of 1812, the U.S. Capitol was breached. Couy Griffin has been reported as one of the men involved in the riots at the U.S. Capitol that occurred on January 6, 2021. Kourtnie Griffin, an Iraqi war veteran, understands passions for God and country and believes her ex-husband has a right to express his views, her lawyers said. He also said that, if appealed, it could give the Supreme Court an opportunity to weigh in on this question without directly deciding on a case involving Trump. U.S. Donald Trump Qanon Las vegas Capitol Riots. While still a county commissioner, Griffin joined with Republican colleagues in refusing to certify the June 2022 primary election results based on distrust of the voting systems used to tally the vote. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. Photo credit: @AP on Twitter. This is America, we play the National Anthem in America today.. Trumps attack on democracy after the November 2020 election started out as an attempt to use the judicial process to deprive voters of their choice of leader. He was one of 10 more people to be arrested on Saturday and Sunday. Otero County Commissioner and Cowboys for Trump founder Couy Griffin is being investigated by the New Mexico Attorney Generals Office on grounds he violated the Campaign Reporting Act and the Governmental Conduct Act, and that he allegedly committed embezzlement, racketeering, money laundering and making or permitting a false voucher for public funds. As perABQ Journal, he was married toKourtnie. The list includes 69 candidates for governor in 30 states, as well as 55 candidates for the U.S. Senate, 13 candidates for state attorney general and 18 candidates for secretary of state in places where that person is the states top election official. In each of these cases, Griffin has associated criminality with his organization, Cowboys for Trump. Couy's ex-wife, Kourtnie, is a 34 years old Iraqi war veteran who was born in the year 1986. Lets not forget that free food from ranchers too. . Copyright 2023 The Western Journal. Magliocca said the issue could arise in a number of ways moving forward and is ripe for the Supreme Court to litigate before Trump might run for and potentially win the presidency in 2024. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'millionsofcelebs_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-millionsofcelebs_com-medrectangle-4-0');There hasnt been further news about his execution. So, we are still unknown about his actual net worth and earnings he receives from his job. I dont know but I will find out. Your Privacy Choices (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). Who is Couy Griffin? Griffin also offered to give people of color what he called a 101 lesson on racial identity and said anyone who does not identify as American first or opposes the Second Amendment right to bear arms should leave the U.S. or go home. Statements like go back to where you came from is a racist insult aimed for decades at immigrants and African Americans in the United States. Prior to Griffin's leaving the hearing, Arrieta told him that the Otero County Commission would have a quorum present without Griffin and that this hearing may be more important at this time. ", Get caught up:Otero Commissioners to discuss calls for resignation of Couy Griffin on Thursday. That travel voucher was approved and a check was cut to Griffin in the amount of$3,237.48. General Flynn is suing the federal government for $50 million. Here you have Couy Griffin as Cowboys For Trump not only hiding assets from his ex-wife and son. Pence spent Jan. 6 at underground Senate loading dock, Secret Service confirms, QAnon Shaman stays in jail as judge slams his arguments: So frivolous as to insult the Courts intelligence, He kicked back in Pelosis office on Jan. 6. SANTA FE, N.M., Otero County, New Mexico Commissioner Couy Griffin must be removed from office and disqualified from holding future public office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution based on his participation in the January 6, 2021 insurrection, according to a lawsuit filed today by a group of New Mexico residents. We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. All Rights Reserved. When McFadden posed a boilerplate question about whether Griffin had taken drugs or alcohol the accused Capitol rioter said he'd had a couple beers the night before. Oliver, the Alamogordo Chamber of commerce Executive Director, were the basis of an investigation. It should be noted that New York City is over 200 miles north of Washington, D.C., and Griffin had to pass Washington to get there.. But he found that Griffins actions met the standard set forth by the 14th Amendment, citing Griffins violent rhetoric and evidence of his actions at the Capitol. Vice President Mike Pence was taken to an underground Senate loading dock after rioters breached the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and spent four to five hours there under guard with his wife and daughter, the Secret Service confirmed Monday for the first time. When two thugs tried to attack an elderly man, he pulled out his own weapon and fired back, scaring them away. Derrick Evans, was sentenced to three months in jail this summer for committing civil disorder on Jan. 6. Couy is the professional Otero County Commissioner who made headlines in the news after FBI agents arrested him on Sunday on 17 January 2021. A grain-mill fire broke out in New Zealand on Thursday, with a fire official saying the plant was being "treated as a crime scene.". He shouldnt be punished for showing his pride in his country, Miller said. Including allegations of drunk driving with 5 yr child. . Prosecutors later acknowledged that Harris had in fact left the vicinity beforehand and cleaned up their error in charging and other documents. On Sept. 23, 2019, Griffin submitted a travel voucher for $3,237, which included straight per-diem, meaning he did not submit receipts for the trip. "It is not intended for simple disagreements and so the judge having made the decision, there's a process that we must follow now and part of that is whether or not Commissioner Griffin decides to file an appeal. This would explain why Couys GoFundMe Page has beneficiary as a Deborah Foley, not Couy Griffin or his sister Kayrn Kay Griffin as being the beneficiary for supposedly Couys Legal Fund. Couy Griffin, the founder of the Cowboys for Trump group, appeared to turn on the former president . In a Jan. 14, 2021, county commission meeting, Griffin said that he knew Mike Pence had certified a fraudulent election before he walked toward the Capitol grounds, and that he was part of a crowd that just pushed through plastic mesh fencing securing the inauguration area, albeit toward the back. "I would rather these allegation brought forward be heard from a group of peers rather than a (former Gov. So, there are details about his age and birthday at the moment. After all, if Couy Griffin is disqualified from holding office for his role in Jan. 6, then shouldnt Donald Trump be disqualified for his even greater role in Jan. 6th?. Griffins marching with the mob all the way to the inaugural stage, knowing the mobs insurrectionary purpose, likewise constitutes an overt act.. By Ewan Palmer On 10/25/21 at 11:33 AM EDT. The disclosure verifies reporting by ABC journalist and author Jonathan Karl and came in testimony by the liaison officer for Pences Secret Service security detail against the second defendant to face trial in the Capitol attack. Cowboys for Trump cofounder Couy Griffin confronted a trial by jury Tuesday on charges that he failed to register a political organization without filing related public financial disclosures. Prosecutors have said that Pence remained at the Capitol complex during the relevant period. I dont think the government is entitled to some Secret Service exception or sensitive information exception from proving its case beyond a reasonable doubt, McFadden reiterated Monday before Hawa took the witness stand. Besides being Mexico County Commissioner, he is also the founder of the group namedCowboys for Trump. Griffin deniedthe allegations claiming they were"frivolous and devoid of merit," court records state. Police say a man shot himself and unintentionally killed a woman when the bullet passed through his head and struck her last month at Middle school students killer to remain in custody until Juan Saucedo Jr., 14, pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and was sentenced to remain in custody until age 21 in the 2021 shooting Albuquerque Police data: Use-of-force policies followed 95% of the Albuquerque superintendent of police reform hails Albuquerque superintendent of police reform hails results as "success" in Court Approved Settlement Agreement compliance. A two-day trial was scheduled to start Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, in Alamogordo, N.M. 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The judge said the jury has till 10 tonight to come to a verdict or it will be called a mistrial. Magliocca said the New Mexico decision could reverberate, not just for people like Mastriano, but if Democrats retain control of Congress and want to challenge the seating of certain Republicans tied to Jan. 6. The hearing continued for about an hour after Griffin exited the hearing. Also, he could be white by ethnicity. One person is dead and another has been hospitalized after a shooting on Central Avenue near Moon Street, police said Thursday morning. Griffin was convicted in federal court of a misdemeanor for entering restricted U.S. Capitol grounds on Jan. 6 without going inside the building. Dewey is from Windom, Minnesota . I would have wanted him to have the opportunity to argue his points here," Sanchez said. Cowboys for Trump also had a GoFundMe account set up in January 2020 to raise money for legal expenses. A January 6-related trial began Monday in the case of "Cowboys for Trump" founder Couy Griffin. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Ahead of the trial, McFadden rejected Griffin's claim that he was politically targeted. (Berger was later seated after his espionage conviction was overturned.). (Griffin did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Cowboys for Trump . Griffin elected to have a bench trial, meaning a Trump-appointed judge rather than a jury of 12 will review the evidence and decide his fate. Any special treatment given to her because of her Republican leadership position? Griffin is also under investigation by the New Mexico Attorney General's Office for potential criminal charges relating to the September 2019 travel voucher issue. Couy Griffin has been barred from in-person visits with his son due to social media posts that have produced threats and for refusing to comply with the requirements of the COVID-19 mask. Otero County Commissioner Couy Griffin, the founder of Cowboys for Trump, takes in the view from his ranch in Tularosa, N.M., on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. You are embarrassing yourself. In a reversal, Biden said he would sign a resolution blocking a D.C. effort to reduce penalties for violent crimes. Prosecutors entered into evidence Monday videos recording Griffins activities in Washington and his statements explaining his conduct before and after, including several taken by a witness who was granted immunity, a videographer and friend who traveled with Griffin to Washington. and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.). California Gov. He began his career in Wild West shows and worked in Paris from 2000 to 2005. Griffin never complied with the agreement. Griffins case differs from the others in one crucial way: He was actually part of the crowd that stormed the Capitol and was later convicted of his role. Mr Griffin, a county official in Otero County, New Mexico, added that the aftermath of the election had added to difficulties with relatives and his divorced wife. The videos show Griffin on Jan. 6 climbing over a stone wall marking the Capitols security perimeter and climbing over a sideways metal bike rack within it, and spending more than an hour perched on the front railing of the inaugural stage with a bullhorn, ignoring the lingering smell of pepper spray and leading the crowd below in prayer. The verdict from a 12-member jury capped a two-day trial in Alamogordo, the community where Griffin served as an Otero County commissioner until he was banished from office last year for his role in the U.S. Capitol incursion on Jan. 6, 2021. Pastor Dewey and his wife, Sharon founded FGGAM in August of 2012. The Cowboys for Trump website was not operational Feb. 13. We proceeded and the judge found for us.". After the fall of Roe, the pro-life movement is facing a battle of unprecedented complexity and staggering scope. Jurors deliberated for more than nine hours before delivering the verdict.