Rep. Joe Morelle's Staffer Arrested for Bringing Ammunition into Capitol, Fired

Dec 2, 2024, 06:36 PM

Michael Hopkins, a 38-year-old communications director for Representative Joe Morelle (D-NY), was arrested by Capitol Police on Monday after attempting to enter the Cannon House Office Building with ammunition. The arrest occurred when security screening detected four ammunition magazines and 11 rounds in his bag. Hopkins, who works for Rep. Joe Morelle, the ranking member of the House Administration Committee, claimed he forgot the ammunition was in his bag, including a high-capacity magazine. He faces charges for unlawful possession of ammunition, including one charge for possession of a high-capacity magazine. Representative Morelle's office has since announced that Hopkins has been fired effective immediately. The incident has raised questions about security protocols and the handling of such situations within the Capitol complex.