Appeals Court Upholds Griffin's Capitol Trespass Conviction

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld the conviction of Couy Griffin, founder of Cowboys for Trump, for trespassing on restricted Capitol grounds during the January 6, 2021, riot. Griffin argued he was unaware the area was restricted due to a Secret Service protectee, then-Vice President Mike Pence, being present, which he claimed was necessary for conviction. The court ruled 2-1 that knowledge of the reason for the restriction was not required for conviction, as long as the individual knew they were entering a restricted area. Judges Cornelia Pillard and Judith Rogers emphasized that the statute aimed to cover all knowing trespasses in protected areas, citing its origins in response to political assassinations. Judge Gregory Katsas dissented, suggesting the law could be interpreted too broadly and may lead to further appeals. This decision reinforces the Department of Justice's approach in prosecuting Jan. 6 cases, affecting hundreds of similar convictions.