House Democrat staff member fired following Capitol Police arrest
A Democratic staff member from the House of Representatives has been fired from his job after he was caught trying to bring ammunition into the Cannon House Office Building. Michael Hopkins, who served as the communications director for Rep. Joe Morelle, D-N.Y., was arrested by the U.S. Capitol Police on Monday morning.
According to Capitol Police, Hopkins entered the building and placed his bag through screening, where officers noticed what appeared to be ammunition on the x-ray screen. After a search of the bag, they found four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds of ammunition. Hopkins reportedly claimed that he forgot the ammunition was in his bag.
As a result of the incident, Hopkins has been charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, including one charge for possession of a high-capacity magazine. Following his arrest, Jo Stiles, Chief of Staff to Rep. Morelle, announced that Hopkins was no longer employed by the office.
Prior to the announcement of Hopkins’ termination, Morelle’s office stated that they were gathering more information about the situation. In a statement, they emphasized their commitment to providing a safe and secure workplace for all employees.
The news of Hopkins’ arrest and subsequent firing has caused a stir in Washington, with many questioning how someone in such a high-profile position could make such a mistake. Morelle, who serves as the Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, is known for his dedication to workplace safety.
In light of this incident, it serves as a reminder of the strict security measures in place in government buildings, especially in the wake of recent events. The safety and security of all individuals working in and visiting these buildings must be a top priority.
As the story continues to unfold, it is clear that this incident has raised concerns about the potential risks associated with bringing prohibited items into government buildings. It is a situation that serves as a cautionary tale for all individuals to be vigilant and comply with security protocols at all times.
