Capitol riot trial opens for Cowboys for Trump founder

WASHINGTON (AP) — An elected official from New Mexico is the second person tried on charges stemming from the U.S. Capitol riot.

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., is hearing testimony without a jury for Otero County Commissioner Couy Griffin's trial Monday.

Griffin is charged with illegally entering Capitol grounds the day a pro-Trump mob disrupted certification of Joe Biden’s presidential election victory.

Griffin is not accused of entering the Capitol or engaging in violence or destruction on Jan. 6, 2021.

Griffin's lawyers say he peacefully led a prayer on the Capitol steps. Prosecutors didn’t give opening statements.

A jury this month convicted a Texas man of storming the Capitol on Jan. 6.