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Court Upholds Conviction of Cowboys for Trump Founder for Capitol Trespassing
The federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., upheld the conviction of Couy Griffin, the founder of Cowboys for Trump, on Tuesday, affirming his trespassing conviction for entering a restricted area of the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection. The court ruled that rioters did not need to be aware that the Secret Service was protecting then-Vice President Mike Pence when they breached the restricted area.
This decision is significant as it strengthens the legal framework governing federal protections for public officials, clarifying the law surrounding trespassing in areas designated for the protection of these officials. “The basis of the Secret Service’s authority to prevent access to designated areas for the safety of its protectees … need not be in the mind of the trespasser,” stated D.C. Circuit Judge Nina Pillard in the court’s opinion.
Griffin, a local official from New Mexico, was convicted of two misdemeanors, including trespassing, after he jumped over a stone wall to access the inauguration stage at the Capitol. He received a sentence of 14 days in jail and a year of supervised release. The court rejected Griffin’s argument that the statute required proof that he knew a Secret Service protectee was present at the Capitol when he entered the restricted grounds.
“In [Griffin’s] view, the statute also requires proof that he knew why the Capitol grounds were so restricted when he entered or remained there,” Pillard noted. “We decline to adopt such a rule. Griffin’s approach would surely hinder the Secret Service’s capacity to handle the full range of potential threats.”
Griffin may continue to contest his conviction through further appeals, potentially reaching the U.S. Supreme Court, which has shown interest in reviewing legal interpretations related to the Capitol riot. Previously, Griffin attempted to appeal his removal from his elected position as a New Mexico county commissioner, but the Supreme Court declined to hear his case seeking reinstatement.
The three-judge panel included one dissenter, Judge Greg Katsas, a Trump appointee, who argued that prosecutors should have to demonstrate that Griffin was aware of the seriousness of the restricted area and the presence of Pence. Katsas emphasized that a trespass threatening the safety of the President or Vice President carries greater culpability than a simple trespass.
“Trespassers unaware that someone like the President or Vice President is present are much less likely to pose a threat to those officials than individuals who knowingly trespass into an area restricted to protect them,” Katsas wrote. He pointed out that among the 470 trespassing convictions secured against January 6 rioters, trial judges in D.C. have varied in their interpretations of the knowledge required regarding Pence’s presence at the Capitol.
Griffin’s case continues to reflect the ongoing legal complexities surrounding the January 6 Capitol riot and its aftermath.
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US Officials Speculate on Ceasefire Dynamics Following Death of Hamas Leader Sinwar
American officials are grappling with the implications of the recent death of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, believed to be hiding within the group’s extensive tunnel network in Gaza. For months, US diplomats have quietly considered Sinwar’s removal as a potential catalyst for breaking the deadlock in ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Sinwar’s absence may create a leadership vacuum within Hamas, which could impact the group’s approach to hostages and ceasefire talks. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken previously noted that “the fate of the deal” rested largely in Sinwar’s hands. Following his death, US officials are now evaluating whether a successor exists and what that could mean for negotiations.
One US official remarked, “We don’t know what this means yet,” hinting at the uncertainty surrounding the next steps in securing a ceasefire and hostage agreement. There are mixed feelings among American officials, with some believing Sinwar’s death could pave the way for a more flexible approach from Hamas, while others caution that challenges remain.
The Biden administration views Sinwar’s killing as a significant moment in the Israel-Hamas conflict, potentially altering the dynamics of a war that has become a political burden for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the upcoming elections. However, there is skepticism about whether a broader resolution to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East can be achieved before Election Day, especially with Israel poised to respond to recent ballistic missile attacks from Iran.
Despite the potential for change, some observers remain cautious. Jonathan Panikoff, a former senior intelligence analyst, suggested that while Sinwar’s death could create new opportunities for negotiations, the nature of the new leadership within Hamas will be critical. “Whether a deal could be struck for a cessation of hostilities will depend on the new leader,” he stated.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had long focused on targeting Sinwar, presenting his death as an essential step toward achieving a decisive victory over Hamas. While Sinwar had been seen as an obstacle to reaching a hostage and ceasefire deal, tensions remain high, especially as the Israeli military continues its operations in Gaza.
As the US seeks to navigate these changes, Secretary Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have recently urged Israel to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza, warning that failure to do so could jeopardize US military assistance. With less than a month until the presidential elections, the situation remains fluid, leaving both the Biden administration and Harris’s campaign on edge.
American officials now face the task of analyzing who will step into Sinwar’s role and how this will affect Hamas’s military strategy. As the conflict enters a critical phase, the geopolitical landscape remains uncertain, and the repercussions of Sinwar’s death will reverberate through future negotiations.
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