On Monday morning, a Democratic staffer was arrested by the US Capitol Police for entering a House office building with four ammunition magazines and 11 rounds of ammunition. The staffer, identified as Michael Hopkins, who serves as the communications director for New York Democratic Rep. Joe Morelle, was taken into custody after the ammunition was discovered during the screening process.
According to a statement provided by the authorities, Hopkins claimed that he had forgotten about the ammunition in his bag. However, upon further inspection, the presence of the ammunition was confirmed through a hand search of the bag, leading to his arrest.
Michael Hopkins is now facing charges for unlawful possession of ammunition, including one charge specifically for possession of a high-capacity magazine. The incident has raised concerns about security protocols at the US Capitol and the importance of adhering to strict regulations regarding the possession of firearms and ammunition within the premises.
The US Capitol Police have not provided additional details about the circumstances surrounding Hopkins' possession of the ammunition or his intentions upon entering the House office building. The arrest serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to maintain a safe and secure environment within government facilities.
As the case unfolds, further investigations will likely shed light on the events leading up to the arrest and any potential implications for Michael Hopkins and his role within the office of Representative Joe Morelle. The incident underscores the significance of upholding regulations and ensuring compliance with security measures to prevent unauthorized possession of firearms and related items in sensitive areas such as the US Capitol.
