Rep. Joe Morelle, a Democrat from New York, had his communications director, Michael Hopkins, arrested Monday for bringing ammunition into the Cannon House Office Building. During a routine security check, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) found eleven rounds and four ammunition magazines in Hopkins’ backpack.
- USCP officers detected the ammunition during an X-ray screening at approximately 8:45 a.m., prompting a hand search of Hopkins bag.
- Hopkins claimed he had forgotten the ammunition was inside his bag but was arrested for unlawful possession of ammunition, including a high-capacity magazine.
- Rep. Morelle s office initially stated they were cooperating fully with the investigation and confirmed later that Hopkins was no longer employed in the office.
- Hopkins faces charges under strict Capitol regulations designed to ensure security within federal office buildings.
- Rep. Morelle, the Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, reaffirmed his commitment to workplace safety in light of the incident.
The arrest emphasizes how strict security measures are enforced on Capitol grounds.
Staffer For Democratic Rep Arrested For Carrying Ammunition Onto Capitol Property
Rep. Joe Morelle, a Democrat from New York, had Michael Hopkins, his communications director, arrested Monday for bringing ammunition into the Cannon House Office Building.
During an X-ray examination Monday morning, US Capitol Police (USCP) officials discovered ammunition.
According to the USCP, a House employee entered the Cannon House Office Building at around 8:45 a.m. and checked his bag. On the x-ray screen, USCP officers saw what looked like ammunition. Officers searched the backpack by hand and discovered eleven rounds of ammo and four magazines. “I forgot the ammunition was in the bag,” the staffer said to the officers. Michael Hopkins, 38, was taken into custody and is accused of illegally possessing ammunition, including a charge of possessing a high-capacity magazine.
Politico claims that at first, Morelle’s office stated that they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the arrest and were completely assisting with the inquiry.
According to a statement from Morelle’s office, Congressman Morelle is committed to making sure that everyone works in a safe and secure environment in his capacity as Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration.
The Daily Caller News Foundation later received confirmation from Morelle’s office that Hopkins is no longer working for the congressman’s office.
(Featured Image Media Credit: US Marshals/Shaney T. McCoy/Flickr)
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