BREAKING: House Democrat’s Staffer Arrested In Capitol Building
A staffer for Democratic Representative Joe Morelle (D-NY) was arrested on Friday on Capitol Hill after Capitol Police discovered ammunition in his bag during routine security screening at the Cannon House Office Building.
Michael Hopkins, 38, was charged with unlawful possession of ammunition following the incident. According to Capitol Police, Hopkins placed his bag through an X-ray scanner at the security checkpoint, where officers identified suspicious items on the screen. Upon further inspection, they found four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds of ammunition inside his bag, according to WROC.
Hopkins reportedly told officers he had forgotten the ammunition was there, according to investigators. The discovery immediately triggered heightened security measures, although no firearms were found in Hopkins’ possession or linked to the incident. He was taken into custody and faces charges of illegal ammunition possession, including one count for having a high-capacity magazine.
“This morning, our office was informed that a member of our staff was arrested by Capitol Police,” said Congressman Morelle’s Chief of Staff Jo Stiles following the arrest.
“We are currently gathering more information regarding the circumstances of the arrest. Our office is fully committed to cooperating with the investigation. As Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, Congressman Morelle is devoted to ensuring a safe and secure workplace for all,” Stiles finished.
The arrest has drawn attention to federal laws governing firearms and ammunition in the District of Columbia, which has some of the nation’s strictest regulations. Under D.C. law, possession of ammunition is illegal unless the individual holds a valid firearm registration certificate.
“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,” Capitol Police revealed in a statement to Fox News.
“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,” the statement added.
On Monday morning, Morelle’s office stated that it was in the process of gathering additional information regarding the arrest.
“Our office is fully committed to cooperating with the investigation,” read the statement from Morelle’s office. “As Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, Congressman Morelle is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure workplace for everyone.”
Congressman Morelle, representing New York’s 25th district, is ironically a strong advocate for comprehensive gun reform. He has sponsored and co-sponsored several legislative measures aimed at reducing gun violence and enhancing public safety.
This arrest comes as lawmakers and their staff continue to navigate heightened scrutiny and intense partisanship in the nation’s capital.
