Otero County Commissioner Couy Griffin Arrested In Connection With January 6th Capitol Riots

Otero County Commissioner Couy Griffin was arrested today in Washington, D.C. on charges related to the January 6th riots, during which domestic terrorists broke into the US Capitol in an attempt to undermine a legitimate election. Griffin was already banned from Twitter for inciting violence, after he said that “there’s going to be blood running out of that building” in reference to the Capitol riots. His trip to DC was part of a plan to object to the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, an event that has raised concerns about additional violence. 

Since Griffin’s arrest, leading Republicans who have worked closely with or openly embraced Cowboys for Trump have remained silent. U.S. Representative Yvette Herrell, GOP Chair Steve Pearce, and Minority Leader Jim Townsend have all refused to issue statements. State Representative Rebecca Dow, who has hinted at running for governor, has also been avoiding the press. 

Representative Yvette Herrell and Minority Leader Jim Townsend have both praised Cowboys for Trump in the past, with Representative Herrell saying the endorsement of Cowboys for Trump is one she is the “most proud of”. Leader Townsend rode alongside the group and said their work was “critically important.”

New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas has called for Griffin to resign from his post as County Commissioner. 

“While our country has struggled to come together and address the challenges that are affecting all Americans, Couy Griffin has spewed conspiracy theories, threatened violence, and now taken part in a direct attack on our democracy,” said DPNM Chair Marg Elliston. “He has no business representing any New Mexican, and leaders across the political spectrum must immediately disavow his support and call for his resignation. His actions are disgraceful and should not be tolerated as part of New Mexico politics.” 

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