A staffer for U.S. House of Representatives Democrat Joe Morelle was arrested on Monday at the Capitol after security found ammunition in his bag. The Capitol Police identified the individual as Michael Hopkins, who worked for Morelle, a representative from upstate New York. During a routine security screening, officers discovered four ammunition magazines and 11 rounds in Hopkins’ bag, though no firearm was recovered.
Hopkins reportedly told the authorities that he had forgotten the ammunition was in his bag. As a result, he faces charges for unlawful possession of ammunition, including one charge for possession of a high-capacity magazine.
In response to the incident, Morelle’s chief of staff, Jo Stiles, issued a statement confirming that Hopkins is no longer employed by the office. She emphasized that Congressman Morelle is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all at the Capitol.
The incident has raised concerns regarding Capitol security protocols, particularly in light of the strict regulations governing the possession of firearms and ammunition on federal property. The charges against Hopkins highlight the serious nature of the offense, even in the absence of a firearm.
At this time, Hopkins has not publicly commented on the situation, and the investigation continues. The Capitol Police continue to ensure that safety procedures are followed rigorously to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
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