US Supreme Court rejects appeal of county commissioner removed from office over January 6 conviction News
© WikiMedia (Tyler Merbler)
US Supreme Court rejects appeal of county commissioner removed from office over January 6 conviction

The US Supreme Court declined to hear Monday the appeal of New Mexico County Commissioner Couy Griffin, who was removed from office after his participation in the events of January 6, 2021, at the US Capitol.

Griffin, the founder of Cowboys for Trump and former Otero County Commissioner, was convicted of disorderly conduct and entering the Capitol without lawful authority. Griffin argued that this conviction violated his First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Griffen claimed that the trial court incorrectly determined that the January 6 events constituted an “insurrection” under section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment. He attempted to sway the court by stating there was no indication that the goal of the January 6 events was to overthrow the government. He also argued that the trial court’s disqualification was a violation of his freedom of speech. In the recent Trump v. Anderson decision, the Supreme Court ruled that they do not have the power to bar federal candidates from political offices. However, states can bar candidates who hold state and local government positions.

Griffin was originally arrested in January 2021 but was released only a few weeks later on bond. He was sentenced to 14 days in jail, one year of supervised release, 60 hours of community service, a $3,000 fine and $500 restitution.

The former commissioner took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disappointment with the ruling, stating, “I just found out (through the media) that my appeal to the SCOTUS has been denied. Very disappointed. I don’t even know what to say.” In a follow-up tweet, Griffin said, “I’m officially barred thru a court order of running for any other office other than the office of President. I wonder if that holds true to the office of Vice President?”

Multiple other participants in the January 6 events at the Capitol are still facing consequences, as well. Former Proud Boy member William Chrestman pled guilty to the charges in October last year and multiple others have been charged. The Department of Justice recommended 14 years in prison for Chrestman as part of a plea deal, a significant reduction in his possible sentencing.

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