US Capitol Police arrest House Democrat staff member after finding ammunition in bag

The U.S. Capitol Police made an arrest on Thursday morning after a member of a House Democrat’s staff allegedly attempted to bring ammunition into the Cannon House Office Building. The individual in question, Michael Hopkins, 38, was found with four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds of ammunition during a routine bag screening. Capitol Police stated that Hopkins claimed he had forgotten that the ammunition was in his bag.

Representative Joe Morelle, who represents New York’s 25th Congressional District, has pledged full cooperation with the investigation. His office released a statement expressing commitment to ensuring a safe work environment for all staff members. The incident has sparked calls for increased security measures and vigilance within the Capitol complex.

Hopkins is now facing charges for unlawful possession of ammunition, including one count for possession of a high-capacity magazine. Morelle’s office is currently gathering more information about the arrest and has not yet provided further comment on the matter.

The district represented by Morelle includes the city of Rochester, and the lawmaker has a track record of advocating for safety and security within the workplace. As Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, Morelle has emphasized the importance of maintaining a secure environment for all individuals working in Capitol buildings.

The arrest serves as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by lawmakers and their staff members. Incidents like these highlight the need for strict adherence to security protocols and screening procedures to prevent unauthorized items from entering congressional office buildings.

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