Couy Griffin, of New Mexico, was arrested today in Washington, D.C., and charged by criminal complaint with one count of knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful entry. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. And he boasted about his participation in the January 6 storming of the Capitol. And yet, Griffin said in an interview that the audit is strategic, designed to forge a path so other counties in New Mexico audit their elections, a gambit that echoes a nationwide push by Republican officials to sow doubt about election results by pushing for audits. But in a recent interview in Alamogordo, Griffin was determined to keep fighting for Trump, despite the audit's problems, plus the charges he faces for his role in the Capitol attack, financial difficulties and a profound disappointment in the former president himself. This decision marks the first time since 1869 that a court has disqualified a public official under Section 3, and . "When they shut our sawmill down, it just leaves all of that useless material, if you will, in our forests which creates more fire hazards.". Clements won last year. A New Mexico state judge on Thursday ordered convicted Capitol rioter Couy Griffin to be removed from his county commissioner seat, ruling that the Cowboys for Trump founder's involvement in the . "Due to the effects of the Mexican spotted owl, our access to timber on the federal lands was restricted," he said. EXCLUSIVE: Blake Griffin and Ryan Kalil are getting into business with Sony Pictures Entertainment. A Donald Trump supporter, Griffin founded Cowboys for Trump and listed his sister Kay Griffin as its organizer. They embrace the instructions of leaders like former Trump adviser turned podcaster Stephen K. Bannon, who has urged election deniers to run for local races and sign up to be poll workers in what he calls his precinct-by-precinct takeover strategy. Representing the plaintiffs are no fewer than seven attorneys listed in court records. Cowboys for Trump founder Couy Griffin, who is facing charges in connection with the U.S. Capitol riot, has turned on the former president in a conference speech for abandoning January 6. Brittany Costello: Do you personally have any of those videos? That case was appealed to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals which declined to reverse the federal district court decision, After an appeal to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals declined to reverse the decision made by U.S. District Court's dismissal of a case where Cowboys for Trump tried to have the. The role of creativity in resilience and community-building, Alamogordo Proud Downtown Nights Otero Arts Exhibition Opening, Late Shopping and More, Downtown stores open till 8 pm Friday student art exhibition and more, Alamogordo Proud It is All About the Fashion Spotlight Alamogordo Artisan Linda Swenson, Alamogordo Proud is All about the fashions of Alamogordo's Linda Swenson, AlamogordoTownNews.com Tularosa High School Students Excel in Competitions, AlamogordoTownNews.com Not Guilty! But luck may have run out for this cowboy pastor who rode to national political fame by embracing President Donald Trump with a series of horseback caravans and came crashing down with a defiant stand Jan. 6 against President Joe Bidens election. Because I want to make sure our voices are accurately captured. A jury will consider this week whether the support group . Their son was born in 2014. Couy Griffin: As far as regret goes, I dont have any regret from that day. Griffin has acknowledged using the county building for promotional videos but said he never claimed they were affiliated with Otero County. Couy Griffin back in court over 'Cowboys for Trump' An off-duty sheriff follows reckless driver, shoots $20,000 in mattresses donated to a local non-profit That day, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released their report into the threat of election misinformation. I have done my best to shield and protect anyone who has supported me from the same attacks that I daily come under. I wasnt charged with insurrection because the evidence to criminally charge me was not there according to the letter of the law, he said. Couy Griffin, a New Mexico county commissioner, ardent election-fraud conspiracy theorist and founder of Cowboys for Trump, avoided more jail time on Friday for his role in the January 6, 2021, US . ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (KRQE) New video shows former County Commissioner Couy Griffin getting pulled over and getting into it with police officers. His grandfather Wee Griffin held the Catron County post from 1963 to 1966. On September 6, 2022, Otero County Commissioner Couy Griffin was ordered removed from office by a New Mexico judge, as a result of his participation in the January 6th insurrection and attack on the Capitol. Today, Couy Griffin is divorced, disparaged by family and confronts a political recall drive, a state corruption investigation and federal charges. Stay turned to KALHRadio.org and the Alamogordo Town News and AlamogordoConservativeDaily.org for daily updates. Friday night on, Senate Bill 2 would bring the pay of state Supreme Court justices in line with. Hes an advocate for stricter state voting laws and a die-hard opponent of COVID-19 restrictions who says hell no to taking the vaccine. He delved into politics too, serving as a county Republican chair and as an unsuccessful Republican primary candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2014. Couy Griffin: You know, those would have to go through my counsel. I come to you as someone who had a future. In his disciplinary hearing, which Clements posted online, the university said he violated the schools covid-19 mask and vaccination policy. Expect tightened security in the area of New York Avenue and an influx of press in the area on Tuesday. The motion said Couy Griffin "has. He said he went to pray and exercise his right to peacefully protest, but he was arrested for his involvement. ", Meantime, his barbecue business never succeeded. After years of unwavering support, Griffin suggested he. Griffin lost that case but still appears to have failed to follow the court order. By March, volunteers organized by David and Erin Clements calling themselves the New Mexico Audit Force were going door to door in Otero County asking citizens about how they voted in 2020. Their additional three locations remain open. Brittany Costello: A number of people are facing charges, including you. 1 talking about this. Griffin said he is confident the judge will dismiss the lawsuit. Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver said dozens of people have complained about volunteers associated with the audit going door-to-door and asking residents about their vote. Some extra notes, quotes, news and notes from the Lobos Friday night basketball game in, To say that defense was optional would imply is was a choice. New Mexico and ABQ News, Sports, Business and more, By Olivier Uyttebrouck / Journal Staff Writer Hes dined with Trump and Mike Lindell, the chief executive of MyPillow and high-profile election fraud conspiracist. His wife divorced him. Feb 27, 2023. Kourtnie served in the US military and is a war Veteran. I totally take exception to the idea that Robyn Holmes our Republican clerk doesnt know what shes doing. For years, Otero County Commissioner Couy Griffin has been Donald Trump's most flamboyant supporter in New Mexico, creating spectacles and controversy in equal measure. Griffin's term as county commissioner is up this year, and he has said he will not run again. The first call to the press he made was to our reporter to the station we own. Weve figured out how theyre screwing you out of your vote, Clements said. The process, now underway, faces several challenges. Whenever you say, China stole the election. That is what our motive and our focus has to be. He lives in a doublewide trailer. And yet he remains determined. "There have already been three audits," including one by the Secretary of State's office and another by an independent contractor. Neither, however, has experience running elections or formal education in voting machine systems. The arbitrator, who was chosen by Griffin and Cowboys for Trump, found for the Secretary of State's Office. So who is the leader here today? Swanson asked. 1:07. He asked me to cover the prayer vigil we were the only press to do so and his attorney was happy with the coverage as was he and moved to tears. 2-23-23 Alamogordo Town News Thursday Edition with Anthony Lucero KALHRadio.org, Creative Arts Community Action Alert Senate Action Begins Saturday. Griffin took the oath of office in December 2018 when he was sworn in as a commissioner. Couy Griffin Wife, Children Griffin is currently single, he was previously married to his girlfriend Kourtnie A Gates, but they were divorced in 2019. KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Couy Griffin's Wife, Children Griffin is currently single, he was previously married to his girlfriend Kourtnie A Gates, but they were divorced in 2019. Holmes has grown so disheartened by the couples oft-repeated allegations that she has stopped coming to meetings unless asked for. Each played a role on Jan 6. "And I really thought that the president was going to come through on his end, and unfortunately, he never did. Griffin has suggested that voting machines provided by Dominion Voting Systems across New Mexico could have been hacked. Those claims are rooted in a 2020 election night error by the clerk in a Michigan county that resulted in the heavily Republican area briefly reporting that Biden had beaten Trump there. A rancher named Dave Wright raised his hand to say that it was obvious to him the Democratic National Committee had figured out how to cheat, so why couldnt the Republicans do so as well? Colorado State slices up Lobos; UNM is a 6 seed in league tourney, After bill was vetoed last year, lawmakers try again to boost pay of NM judges, If it MUST be the NIT, UNM basketball has a plan. Still, the audit rumbles on, and could yet have widespread implications. Investigators said the investigation was launched after Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver referred her investigation into Griffins refusal to register C4T as a political committee and disclose donors and expenses. Clementss allegations extend to voting machines made by multiple companies, including Dominion Voting Systems, which are used in New Mexico and have been the target of false claims by Trump supporters. Allison Kuhn won outstanding team leader, Otero Electric Co-op Making Progress Restoring Power in Cloudcroft, Mescalero and Mountain Villages, KALH Radio Alamogordo Town News Exclusive PreTrial Interview with Attorney Johnathon C Miller, Ole Time Revival Feel Welcome to Counselor Johnathon C Miller Sets stage for Couy Griffin Trial, 2nd Life Media AlamogordoTownNews.com Event Calendar. Brittany Costello: Are you willing to share those? Meanwhile, state prosecutors are investigating allegations Griffin used his office in coordination with Cowboys for Trump for personal financial gain, and signed a child-support check to his ex-wife from his Cowboys for Trump account. "I was never involved in anything violent on that day, and there was never anything violently done around me," he said when asked about the incident. Nichols, advised that the frivolous lawsuit would not pass muster in court and would cost the county more than $100,000. And if we dont fix our country, I cant go back to that world.. The Otero County commissioner is facing charges for his alleged role in the January insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. , Case dismissed for teen accused of taking gun to, Elderly man who killed sister takes plea deal, 2023 state basketball tournament brackets, Whats happening around New Mexico Feb. 24 Mar. Couy Griffin, an Otero County commissioner and co-founder of Cowboys for Trump, answers a question from the prosecution Monday, Aug. 15, at the First Judicial District Court in Santa Fe. "I wanted to go from just being a voice to having a vote.". Griffin: You know the drugs right now are horrible, the property crime is horrible, and theres two of you guys riding around citing people for no seatbelts?Officer: So, wed probably be doing the drug stuff if you were wearing your seatbelt.Griffin: Oh, really? Griffin shows hes not just an election denier, hes also a traffic ticket denier. Now, Griffin is spearheading a legally dubious audit of the 2020 election in Otero County. It is being investigated by State Auditor Brian Coln after complaints prompted concerns about the procurement process. He was also one of three commissioners in Otero, a county of some . Be safe.Griffin: Id be embarrassed if I was you guys.Officer: Alright. Its probably why New Mexico is a toilet. However, the page included a disclaimer that [a]ll monies will be a direct donation to founder Couy Griffin and will be used as Couy sees fit to move this organization forward.. De-extinction is a, Roundhouse Roundup: Paramilitary rules, youth parole, Rio Bravo Park cleanup will take longer than expected, Gun safety bill passes Senate, faces one more hurdle, Restaurants still struggling to recover from COVID, Roswell PD: Woman steals, drives wrong-way to get, More from KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos, State basketball tournament: Girls first round recap, BCSO: Kids were living in dirty home containing drugs, Local casino hosts National Fiery Foods & BBQ Show, UNM police arrest man for giving false ID, fleeing, Man connected to political shootings to stay behind, Whats happening around New Mexico Mar. But go ahead and do whatever you need to do.Officer: Yes, sir. And since he is still in office, he was able to push for the audit. Clements, who was born in Seattle, grew up the child of itinerant parents who worked blue-collar jobs. The Oath Keeper. Hear their stories. In fact, in Otero County he said they plan to conduct an election audit, looking for fraud. But this is also a man who beat a "Mom and Pop business" that has 5 kids out of thousands of dollars. Ramie Harper, a 67-year-old former bull rider from Fruitland, took a break from making custom hats to join the caravan. For two hours, Clements who has the rumpled look of an academic, though he lost his business school professors job last fall for refusing to wear a mask in class spoke of breached voting machines, voter roll manipulation and ballot stuffing that he falsely claims cost former president Donald Trump victory in 2020. As his zeal over election fraud heightened, other associates fell away. Clements, who has no formal training or background in election systems, spent months crisscrossing the back roads in his home state of New Mexico in a battered Buick, trying to persuade local leaders not to certify election results. Its all falsehoods and speculation. The ruling comes after lawyers for Griffin's ex-wife, Kourtnie, filed an emergency motion in May to modify their custody and visitation agreement. White House official grilled over Biden's summit with Puti Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave, What's next for Buster Murdaugh after dad's murder conviction, life sentence, US home prices just did something they haven't done since 2012, Celeb-loved jewelry brand Dorsey drops dazzling new styles, White Lotus actor jokes about being hit on following shows success, Is this the couple behind the Worst Art Job Listing Ever?, Undertaker transforms coffin into barbecue grill, Tom Sizemore And The Dangerous Burden of Desperation, Kellyanne Conway and George Conway to divorce. The county sheriffs sole duty and responsibility is to protect our individual rights, he said. "I was raised in the shadow of a great man," he said. Cowboys for Trump, or C4T as it is known colloquially, was ordered by the New Mexico Secretary of State's Office to file as a political action committee and file all campaign finance reports or face fines. In addition Mr. Griffin sent an email to his supporters which said, If convicted of this charge I could be sentenced to a year in state prison. 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. "There's no absolutely no reason for this," she said. He sees. Couy Griffin was founder of a group called Cowboys for Trump and a member of the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. I take the seatbelts very serious.Griffin: Oh yeah, Im sure.Officer: Yeah, just because all the crashes Ive seen.Griffin: Its too bad you dont take more of the drugs and the other crime going on a little bit more serious instead of out here citing people for no seatbelts. The attorney general also received numerous citizen complaints about Griffin. Shows how clueless you really are. Mr Griffin, the founder of Cowboys for Trump, said in an interview with journalist Mr Griffin that he believed both Sicknick and Ashli Babbitt are still alive. Alice Fordham joined the news team in 2022 after a career as an international correspondent, reporting for NPR from the Middle East and later Latin America and Europe. Its like hes been radicalized somehow. My vote to remain a no isnt based on any evidence, its not based on any facts, its only based on my gut feeling and my own intuition, and thats all I need, Griffin said, his drawl tinny on the speakerphone. Youre zombies, Pecchia recalled. That happened Tuesday in New Mexico when a state judge disqualified Otero County Commissioner Couy Griffin from holding public office. Yeah.Officer: So if you want to waste our time here.. After the officer hands him the ticket, Griffin still gets in a parting shot. Hed like to reinvent the sheriffs role as a brake on the governors power. A Hubbard Broadcasting Company, said he never entered the Capitol building. With Trump or without, Griffin still ascribes to unsubstantiated claims of massive 2020 election fraud. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. Ron DeSantis by about 15 points in a new Republican presidential poll, with newly announced candidate Nikki Haley and former Vice . The language, known as the disqualification clause, is part of a Civil War-era constitutional amendment intended to bar former Confederates from holding state or federal offices. His concern is the direction of this country, where its going.. You think that the governor hates me as a county commissioner put a gun and a badge on me, and well see.. Today, Couy Griffin is divorced, disparaged by family and confronts a political recall drive, a state corruption investigation and federal charges. Toward the end of the meeting, Donna Swanson, a former presiding poll judge in Otero County who worked with Holmes for years, stepped up to speak. Griffin, who was convicted of a federal misdemeanor in March for his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, is representing himself in the lawsuit, which has attracted the interest of nationally known constitutional scholars and attorneys. In a conversation with The Associated Press, Griffin says he learned to love the spotlight during five years as an expert rodeo hand in a Wild West show at Paris Disneyland park. Clements also asserted that the digital file containing the ballots from the 2020 elections had been deliberately wiped from the voting machines when in fact separate files are created for each election and the ballots and other records are preserved. The need for the audit in New Mexico was more in the likes of Bernalillo County, and Sandoval County and Doa Ana County," referring to areas where President Joe Biden won the 2020 vote. He yearns to someday run for governor even though state GOP leaders are openly scornful and Democrats hold every statewide elected office. A New Mexico county commissioner who heads Cowboys for Trump was arrested Sunday in Washington, D.C., by Capitol Police after vowing to bring back his guns for Inauguration Day. Theyre going to eat some crow.. Couy Griffin Career Griffin was found taking active participation in the 2021 US Capitol riots and was arrested for the same on 8th January 2021. The 249-page lawsuit alleges that Griffin can be removed as an Otero County commissioner for violating his oath of office because the 14th Amendment states that no officeholder sworn to uphold the Constitution shall have engaged in insurrection against the same, according to the suit. And it was a challenging venture into the barbecue restaurant business that he said pushed him into politics. Clements, 42, was a popular tenure-track assistant professor teaching law in the business school of New Mexico State University on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob loyal to Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol. KOB-TV, LLC Despite his Cowboys for Trump shirt, he said all but one of the fellow cowboys drifted away after January 6 last year. Authors of the brief include Laurence Tribe, a professor emeritus of constitutional law at Harvard, and Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the University of California Berkeley School of Law. They say Griffin didnt partake in violence and was well within his free speech rights as he voiced election grievances and attempted to lead a prayer with a bullhorn. SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) 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. 13h Heading to the courthouse to hear the verdict! . In the end, the commissioners voted to sue the secretary of states office for forcing them to certify the primary results. A year later, he still believes the election was tampered with.
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