Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

'Cowboys for Trump' founder in police custody

Cowboys for Trump Founder Couy Griffin was taken into custody Sunday by U.S. Capitol Police, according to a news release from the FBI (Criminal complaint, Affidavit)

"Griffin was the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Albuquerque FBI Division for his alleged role in the January 6 Capitol riots," according to the release from Frank Fisher of FBI Public Affairs.

Griffin, 47, of Tularosa, is accused of being in a restricted area of the U.S. Capitol without lawful authority on Jan. 6 when supporters of President Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Court records show special agents from the FBI interviewed a videographer who traveled with Griffin to Washington, D.C. The videographer, Matt Struck, told investigators that neither he nor Griffin had "malicious intent," with their actions, but "acknowledged that they may have committed some 'minor trespassing' onto the steps of the U.S. Capitol."

Struck told authorities that Griffin got on a wall on the "outside deck" of the Capitol, borrowed a bullhorn and led a group in prayer. Struck, who is not listed among those taken into custody in connection with the event, said he and Griffin remained on the deck for about an hour and a half. He said they left when they smelled pepper spray in the air.

Author Bio

Do you have a question?
A comment you'd like to see published?
Or maybe a story idea for a future edition?

— Please email the publisher: [email protected]