A staff member working for a Democrat congressman in the House of Representatives was arrested by the U.S. Capitol Police on Monday after attempting to bring ammunition into the Cannon House Office Building. The staff member was later fired over the incident.
According to Axios, a U.S. Capitol Police spokesperson identified 38-year-old Michael Hopkins, the communications director for Rep. Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.), as the staff member involved in Monday’s security incident.
In a statement to Fox News, the U.S. Capitol Police said, “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 ammunition magazines and eleven rounds of ammunition,” the U.S. Capitol Police added. “The staffer told the officers that he forgot the ammunition was in the bag.”
Fox News reported that the U.S. Capitol Police confirmed the 38-year-old Democratic staffer currently faces charges for the unlawful possession of ammunition, including a charge for the possession of a high-capacity magazine.
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Following Monday’s security incident, Jo Stiles, Morelle’s chief of staff, issued a statement explaining that Hopkins had been fired. “In response to this morning’s incident, Mr. Hopkins is no longer employed by Representative Morelle’s office effective immediately,” Stiles said, according to Fox News.
Prior to the announcement that Hopkins had been fired as a result of Monday morning’s incident at the U.S. Capitol, Stiles explained that the New York congressman’s office was gathering additional information regarding the matter.
In a statement obtained by Rochester First, Stiles said, “This morning, our office was informed that a member of our staff was arrested by Capitol Police. We are currently gathering more information regarding the circumstances of the arrest.”
Stiles explained that Morelle’s office was “fully committed” to cooperating with the investigation into Hopkins’ security incident at the Cannon House Office Building. Stiles added, “As Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, Congressman Morelle is devoted to ensuring a safe and secure workplace for all.”
A picture of Hopkins was shared Monday afternoon on X, formerly Twitter, by Libs of TikTok.
