Ex-Houston police officer charged in Capitol riot

Tam Pham is facing two federal misdemeanour charges for entering a restricted building and engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct on Capitol grounds.

Houston:A former Houston police officer was charged on Tuesday for his alleged role in the mob attack at the U.S. Capitol, authorities said.

Tam Pham had been placed on administrative leave after authorities determined he had been at the Capitol, but the 18-year veteran of the force later resigned.

Pham attended a Jan. 6 rally in Washington, D.C., in support of President Donald Trump. He initially told FBI agents he did not join the mob that entered the Capitol building, but agents found photographs and video on Pham’s cellphone that showed he went inside, according to court documents.

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Pham later told agents he went inside but was there only 10 to 15 minutes before leaving.

Nicole DeBorde, Pham’s attorney, said her client “very much regrets” being at the rally and is “deeply remorseful.”

Rioters violently clashed with authorities as they forced their way in the Capitol to try to stop Congress from certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.

Five people died during the siege, including a Capitol police officer. More than 160 people have been arrested so far on charges related to violent insurrection.

DeBorde described Pham as a peaceful man who is a practising Buddhist and supports the rule of law.

AP

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