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Ex-HPD officer accused in Capitol riot arrested by FBI in Houston

This image was attached to a federal criminal complaint filed Jan. 19, 2021, against Tam Pham, a former Houston police officer. (Court documents)

HOUSTONTam Pham, an 18-year veteran of the Houston Police Department, was arrested Wednesday morning after turning himself in to the FBI in Houston in connection with violence at the U.S. Capitol two weeks ago, authorities told KPRC 2.

The FBI confirmed the information on Wednesday. Additional information regarding the charges against him will be posted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia here, the FBI said. All cases are being prosecuted by the Department of Justice in Washington.

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Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo issued a statement on Twitter about the officer’s arrest:

“The second I received a tip that this former Houston police officer may have been part of the mob that stormed our Capitol, the Houston Police Department launched a join investigation with our Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) partners. We are also auditing arrests made by this former officer to ensure there are no irregularities, to include the review of his body worn camera footage related to his arrests. Moreover, we are continuing to work with our federal partners to identify and bring to justice all who broke the law during the attack on the Capitol. We extend our thanks to our FBI partner. While our community and members of our department are understandably upset about this breach of trust, all should be heartened by our swift, decisive, and transparent action.”

KPRC 2 previously reported that Pham tried to delete photos that showed him inside the U.S. Capitol during the riot, according to court documents released Tuesday.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said during remarks last Wednesday that the Houston police officer -- on his own time -- attended the Trump rally in Washington and then “penetrated” the U.S. Capitol.

Related reads

Tam Dinh Pham: What we know so far about the HPD officer accused in Capitol riot

HPD officer accused of entering Capitol during riot asks for privacy

INITIAL REPORT: Houston police officer resigns after being accused of penetrating Capitol, HPD says


About the Author
Amanda Cochran headshot

Amanda Cochran is an Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist. She specializes in Texas features, social media news and local crime.

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