Houston Police Officer Accused of Capitol Intrusion May Face Federal Charges, Acevedo Says

HOUSTON – Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said during comments on Wednesday that a Houston police officer attended the Trump rally in Washington in his own time and then “ broke into ” the Capitol building last week.

An investigation is underway and Acevedo said he is “very confident” he will face federal charges. He is now on administrative leave, Acevedo said.

“There is no excuse for criminal activity, especially from a police officer,” Acevedo said. “I can’t tell you how angry I am at the thought that a cop and other police officers think they are allowed to storm the Capitol or members of the military or the Secret Service. And that’s why our commitment here in the Houston area has always been to the rule of law. And it pains me to report that we have that one officer. And I want to announce it here because it’s the facts. And I’m trying to relax on a Sunday night, I got my email and a member of this community sent me a picture showing the officer doing something, with a Trump flag covered with his face and the first what i did went to that person’s facebook confirmed it was one of our agents who was there. Keep in mind that everyone has a First Amendment right to participate in the First Amendment activity, but I first wanted to make sure they didn’t go ahead and do something illegal and I can tell you there is a good chance that this person will be charged with federal charges and rightly so. “

Sources tell KPRC that the officer is Tam Dinh Pham. A source from KPRC 2 says he was released this morning.

Acevedo said Pham served in the department for 18 years and has no previous disciplinary issues. The chief said he was traveling alone to Washington.

Law enforcement officials tell Channel 2 Investigates that they are also investigating multiple other individuals in the South Texas region for their alleged involvement in the attack on the Capitol. The source indicated that none of those questioned is a member of the police.

Possible criminal charges against individuals alleged to be involved are expected to come from Washington DC as that is the hub for the massive investigation. However, local federal agencies provide support in the investigation process.

The HPD union tells KPRC that Pham’s resignation is expected on Thursday.

Acevedo said he heard the officer was involved on Sunday, and reported the information to the FBI and a joint investigation was launched.

The chief said he had announced the officer to meet him 48 hours in advance.

“Let’s see if he shows up,” Acevedo said. “There is no excuse (for this), especially from a police officer.”

KPRC 2 is working to get more information about this officer and will report what we know as soon as we can confirm this.

Acevedo made the comments while answering public safety questions ahead of scheduled or unscheduled rallies in the city leading up to next week’s presidential inauguration.

Acevedo said there are no known threats to Houston or the county, but described the region as a “hotbed” of activity for right-wing nationalist and hate groups.

The chief said Friday at 6 am that the officers are adopting a changed attitude of “all hands on deck” in the area and that the officers will not be able to take extra days off until January 20. This attitude will be reassessed after the inauguration.

Airports in particular were remarkable. Acevedo said the airports in the area will not become protest zones and will maintain a safe environment.

“If you’re going to be kidding, you’ll be asked to leave,” he said.

The department monitors social media and asks the public to report things they see to their local authorities and the FBI.

“Don’t be dismissive,” Acevedo said. “Report it.”

This is a story in progress.