Michael Hopkins, the communications director for Democratic New York Rep. Joe Morelle, was arrested Monday for bringing ammunition into the Cannon House Office Building. United States Capitol Police (USCP) discovered four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds in Hopkins’ bag during a routine security screening.
- 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 underscores the enforcement of stringent security protocols on Capitol property.
Staffer For Democratic Rep Arrested For Carrying Ammunition Onto Capitol Property
Michael Hopkins, a communications director for Democratic New York Rep. Joe Morelle, was arrested Monday for carrying ammunition inside the Cannon House Office Building.
Officials with the United States Capitol Police (USCP) spotted ammunition through an X-ray screening Monday morning.
“At approximately 8:45 a.m., a House staffer entered the Cannon House Office Building and put his bag through screening,” the USCP said. “USCP officers noticed what appeared to be ammunition on the x-ray screen. After a hand search of the bag, officers found four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds of ammunition. The staffer told the officers that he forgot the ammunition was in the bag. 38-year-old Michael Hopkins was arrested, and he is facing charges for unlawful possession of ammunition, including one charge for possession of a high-capacity magazine.”
From US Capitol Police:
“At approximately 8:45 a.m., a House staffer entered the Cannon House Office Building and put his bag through screening. USCP officers noticed what appeared to be ammunition on the x-ray screen. After a hand search of the bag, officers found four… https://t.co/p0ODHNZLnQ
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) December 2, 2024
Morelle’s office initially said they were looking into the “circumstances of the arrest” and were fully cooperating with the investigation, according to Politico.
“As Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, Congressman Morelle is devoted to ensuring a safe and secure workplace for all,” Morelle’s office said in a statement.
Morelle’s office later confirmed to the Daily Caller News Foundation that Hopkins is no longer employed with the congressman’s office.
(Featured Image Media Credit: Flickr/Photo by Shane T. McCoy / US Marshals)
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All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.