In DC Case Couy Griffin Gets His Guns Back in NM, Wants Speedy Bench Trail
Griffin said he doesn't want to wait for the wider Jan 6 discovery, just be tried by Judge McFadden about his subjective intent. Says he faces death threats in NM double-wide
By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon PodcastSong
BBC - Guardian UK - Honduras - ESPN
FEDERAL COURT, April 7 – Minutes into a break in the impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate, accused insurrectionist Domenic Pezzola was ordered detained until trial by Magistrate Judge Robin M. Meriweather. Inner City Press live tweeted it, below. There was an appeal.
Now on April 7, after the DC Circuit's decision in US v. Munchel,
Judge Trevor N. McFadden held a proceeding on and with New Mexico defendant Couy Griffin. Inner City Press live tweeted it, here:
Couy Griffin is speaking for himself, tells DDC Judge McFadden that he wants a speedy trial, is getting threats in his double-wide trailer in NM.
Couy Griffin: I want my firearms back, to protect my family.
Judge McFadden: Is it true you are waiving your right to a jury trial and want a bench trial?
Griffin: Yes, yesterday -- Defense lawyer Nicholas Smith: Don't describe attorney client communications
Griffin: I'm not concerned about being found guilty. I didn't enter the Capitol. I did not partake in what the government is accusing me.
Judge: In a jury trial, it would have to be unanimous. Do you understand? Griffin: I do.
Assistant US Attorney: We have to get Crim Chief's approval before agreeing to a bench trial. Even though this is misdemeanor.
Judge McFadden: I'd be surprised if the government did not agree, given its decision to bring some many cases here, the stress... Judge McFadden, to AUSA: I thought you were checking that yesterday, when I had my clerk reach out. Defense: DOJ has chosen to lump together 360 some people, who had different motives & did different things. Mr Griffin is not charged with assaulting any officers.
Judge McFadden: If you don't want the overall January 6 discovery, but just the body cam as to Mr. Griffin, that's much more do-able. Defense: This is primarily a subjective intent case. The kind of evidence that would be coming out wouldn't bear on that issue. Judge McFadden: Does the government object to removing the ban on firearms?
AUSA: We do. Defense: Mr. Griffin never threatened any one. He was saying he was subject to death threats. The US quoted him only partially.
Defense: Also Mr. Griffin was quoted that The only good Democrat is a dead Democrat. But he immediately said, I don't mean killing anyone. They didn't quote that.
AUSA: Look at page 3 of the statement of facts, about blood running out of the Capitol.
Judge McFadden: I am going to allow him to have guns at his place of residence, given your lack of criminal record, and you concerns about safety. You live in a rural area where police response is going to be delayed. No guns in the car, though.
Judge McFadden: Next proceeding April 27 at 10 am. Time excluded. Adjourned.
We will have more on this.
Inner City Press live tweeted Riley June Williams on January 25, here.
InnerCityPress · Jeffrey Sabol, insurrection Blues III, by Matthew Russell Lee
From January 22, song here: Thread here.
InnerCityPress · Insurrection Blues, by Matthew Russell Lee
Inner City Press' John Earle Sullivan song on SoundCloud here.
InnerCityPress · John Sullivan Insurrection Blues II by Matthew Russell Lee
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