A former New Mexico county commissioner who participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol will be barred from running in future elections following a Supreme Court ruling Monday.
Former Otero County Commissioner Qui Griffin’s appeal has been denied, making him the only lawmaker ever to be removed from office in connection with the Capitol attack. The incident disrupted Congress, which was trying to certify Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory over then-President Trump.
The Supreme Court ruled this month that states do not have the power to bar votes for Trump or other candidates for federal office, but the justices said different rules apply to state and local candidates. said.
“We conclude that states can disqualify individuals who hold or seek to hold state office,” the justices wrote in an unsigned opinion.
New Mexico judge fires county commissioner for participating in January 6 riot
In June, New Mexico’s Otero County Commissioner Qui Griffin arrives at the federal courthouse in Washington, D.C., to speak to reporters. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe, File)
Griffin was permanently barred from running for local or federal office by New Mexico District Court Judge Francis Mathews, and will be barred from public office in September 2022 for his participation in the January 6 riot. was expelled from
The judge ruled that Griffin violated Section 3 of the law by participating in a “post-oath riot” at the U.S. Capitol. 14th Amendment.
Former Trump aide Peter Navarro submits emergency request to SCOTUS
A scene from the January 6 riot at the US Capitol in 2021. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
Griffin was previously convicted in federal court on a misdemeanor charge of entering the Capitol grounds on January 6 and was sentenced to 14 days in prison with credit for time served.
Mr. Griffin entered the Capitol grounds on January 6th, unaware that it was a restricted area, and attempted to use a bullhorn to lead the crowd in prayer without resorting to violence. claims.
Republicans report contradictions: Jan. 6 committee witness claims Trump tried to get behind the wheel of SUV
Qui Griffin, former Otero County commissioner and co-founder of Cowboys for Trump, speaks at a gun rights rally in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on September 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan, File)
On the third anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack, Griffin spoke at a rally in rural Gillette, Wyoming, at the invitation of the county Republican Party, painting himself as a victim of political persecution. .
“God is really giving me some great days,” Griffin said, according to the Associated Press. “January 6th was a day like no other. It was a day of expression of patriotism of a type I had never seen before. I was honored to be there.”
In June, New Mexico’s Otero County Commissioner Qui Griffin speaks to reporters at the federal courthouse in Washington, D.C. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe, File)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Griffin is a cowboy pastor who gained national political fame after supporting then-President Trump with a series of horseback caravans.
FOX News’ Andrew Mark Miller and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
