officer identified

Houston Police officer identified at U.S. Capitol riot, police chief says

A Houston Police Department officer, believed to be an 18-year veteran, was sighted at the Capitol riots.

UPDATE: Tam Pham, 48, the Houston police officer identified as part of the thousands who stormed the U.S. Capitol, has resigned.

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A Houston police officer was identified Wednesday, January 13 as part of the thousands who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, according to Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo. That attack interrupted a Congressional joint session to certify Joe Biden's electoral win and left five people dead, including a U.S. Capitol police officer.

"On Sunday, I received information from an individual that one of my officers may have been in D.C. for the protest and that they may have participated in the attack on the Capitol," Acevedo said.

Acevedo said he contacted the FBI special agent in charge of the Houston office after learning about the officer's activities, which happened while they were off-duty. A joint investigation was launched into the officer, who was not immediately identified by name, but was believed to be an 18-year veteran of the department and was assigned to Westside Patrol.

The officer was relieved of duty and was served with notice of a meeting with Acevedo that was scheduled for Friday, though the chief doubted it would take place.

"There's a high probability that this individual faces federal charges," Acevedo said. "I'll be surprised if they show up Friday to my hearing."

Acevedo said once he received the tip from a citizen, he opened Facebook and found images of the officer taken while in Washington. The officer traveled alone to the Capitol, Acevedo said.

The revelation came during a planned briefing outlining additional safety measures authorities were taking ahead of the Jan. 20 inauguration. As tensions remain high nationwide after the Jan. 6 attack, cities and states are implementing similar plans.

The officer may be the first of others from the Houston area who were believed to be at the Capitol during a rally prior to the siege, though the FBI has refused to provide specifics about local citizens possible involvement in the violence and breach, citing the ongoing investigation.

"We know a lot of folks went to DC out of Houston," said Acevedo.

The January 6 incident may have been the beginning of violence planned.

An internal FBI bulletin, which was obtained by ABC News, stated that the agency had received information about a group that has called for "storming" state, local and federal government courthouses and administrative buildings in the event President Donald Trump is removed from office prior to Inauguration Day.

Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on January 13 that if the House succeeds in impeaching President Trump, a Senate trial on whether to convict him of inciting insurrection won't likely happen until after the inauguration. It wasn't clear if there was new intelligence based on that development.

The group is also planning to "storm" government offices in every state on January 20, regardless of whether the states certified electoral votes for Biden or Trump, according to the bulletin.

In addition, armed protests were planned at state capitols and the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C..

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Continue reading this story on our news partner ABC13.com.

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Running With the Pack

Miles, smiles, and tails take over Memorial Park Thursdays with the Houston SPCA Run Club

Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA

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As Houston enjoys some of its most beautiful spring weather, the Houston SPCA Run Club offers a meaningful way to spend a Thursday evening at Memorial Park.

Meeting each week at 6:15 pm near the Runner’s Stretching Deck, the Houston SPCA Run Club welcomes walkers, joggers, and runners of all levels for the park’s popular 3-Mile Loop, which begins promptly at 6:30 pm.

What sets this run club apart is its mission-driven spirit. Participants can bring their own dogs or spend time with adoptable pets brought by the Houston SPCA, creating a uniquely Houston blend of fitness, community, and animal connection.

Whether someone is training for a race, easing out of the workday, or simply looking for an active social outlet, the club offers an easy, relaxed way to engage.

For many participants, that commitment extends beyond Thursday nights. A number of runners also support Houston SPCA through the Chevron Houston Marathon’s Run for a Reason program, turning miles logged into life-saving support for animals in need.

And who knows? You may just fall in love with an adoptable dog and give him or her the forever home they've been waiting for. The Houston SPCA works tirelessly to match eligible pets with owners, including good-natured dogs like Tobias, who was recently adopted by a loving family.

Meet dogs like Tobias (recently adopted) at the Houston SPCA Run Club.Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA

So, lace up and leash up, every Thursday evening! The Houston SPCA team will have water bowls available to help keep your pup hydrated.

Join the Houston SPCA Run Club, and if you meet your match, celebrate the unconditional love of a rescue animal by adopting. To learn more about the Houston SPCA and its mission, visit HoustonSPCA.org.