Griffin: Violence is “not an option that’s not on the table”

Otero County Commissioner Couy Griffin today renewed his threats of political violence in an interview with the Daily Beast regarding his recent comments that “the only good Democrat is a dead one.” 

After repeating the initial claim that prompted calls for his resignation last week, Commissioner Griffin went on to say that some Democratic politicians deserved the death penalty, a threat he’s made in the past. Finally, when asked if protesters are considering violence, Commissioner Griffin responded, “as far as I’m concerned, there’s not an option that’s not on the table.”

Despite Commissioner Griffin repeatedly encouraging political violence, the New Mexico GOP has resisted calls to denounce him and refused to ask for his resignation. 

“Violent speech like this has no place in New Mexico politics,” said DPNM Chair Marg Elliston. “The silence from New Mexico Republican officials is deafening and implies their tacit approval of Commissioner Griffin’s behavior. Every Republican candidate and elected official should condemn his actions directly and unequivocally, and Commissioner Griffin should resign his position immediately.”

Read the full Daily Beast article here.

###