Texas Police Officer Could See Federal Charges For Capitol Attack

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During a press conference today, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said that one of his officers is on administrative leave after it was discovered that he participated in the domestic terrorist attack on the United States Capitol Building.

Chief Acevedo said he learned on Sunday that an 18-year-veteran of the Houston Police Department likely breached the Capitol Building during the attack last week. Acevedo said he informed the FBI, and they initiated a joint investigation into the officer's activity.

In addition to the administrative leave placement, Acevedo also indicated that there's a "high probability" that the officer will face federal charges for his participation.

Chief Acevedo said during the remarks to the press:

“There is no excuse for criminal activity, especially from a police officer. I can’t tell you the anger I feel at the thought of a police officer and other police officers thinking they get to go storm the Capitol or members of the military or the Secret Service. And so our commitment here in the Houston area is always to the rule of law. And it saddens 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 with me and a member of this community sent me a picture showing the officer doing anything, with a Trump flag, face covered and the first thing I did, I went to that person’s Facebook confirmed it was one of our officers that was there. Keep in mind, everyone has a First Amendment right to engage in First Amendment activity but I first wanted to make sure that they didn’t pass beyond that and do something unlawful and I can tell you that there’s a high probability that this individual will be charged with federal charges and rightfully so.”

While describing the officer in question, Acevedo said the veteran of the department had no previous disciplinary issues.