US Capitol Police Arrest House Democrat’s Staffer for Alleged Ammunition Possession
A staff member for New York Representative Joe Morelle was arrested by the US Capitol Police on Thursday after attempting to bring ammunition into the Cannon House Office Building.
According to a Capitol Police statement, the incident occurred at approximately 8:45 a.m. when the staffer, 38-year-old Michael Hopkins, put his bag through screening. Officers noticed ammunition on the x-ray screen and conducted a hand search of the bag, where they found four ammunition magazines and 11 rounds of ammunition. Hopkins allegedly claimed he had forgotten the ammunition was in the bag.
Hopkins is facing charges for unlawful possession of ammunition, including one charge for possession of a high-capacity magazine. Morelle’s office has stated it 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,” said Morelle’s office.
Morelle represents New York’s 25th Congressional District, which includes the city of Rochester. It is unclear whether Hopkins had permission to bring the ammunition into the building or had any affiliation with Morelle’s office beyond being a staff member.