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Police scrambled at the United States Capitol this morning.
A staffer for Representative Joe Morelle, a Democrat from New York, was arrested by U.S. Capitol Police after allegedly attempting to bring ammunition into the Cannon House Office Building. The arrest occurred during a routine security screening and has prompted an investigation, with Morelle’s office pledging full cooperation with authorities.
The incident took place around 8:45 a.m. when Michael Hopkins, 38, underwent the standard security check, according to Roll Call. Capitol Police reported that officers noticed suspicious items resembling ammunition on the x-ray monitor. A subsequent search of Hopkins’ bag revealed four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds of ammunition. Hopkins reportedly told police he had forgotten the ammunition was in his bag. Despite his explanation, he now faces charges of unlawful possession of ammunition, including one count related to a high-capacity magazine, which carries serious legal consequences.
“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 statement said. “The staffer told the officers that he forgot the ammunition was in the bag.”
“He is facing charges for unlawful possession of ammunition, including one charge for possession of a high-capacity magazine,” the statement continued.
Newsweek reached out to Morelle’s office for comment.
“Our office is fully committed to cooperating with the investigation,” the statement from Morelle’s office reads. “As Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, Congressman Morelle is devoted to ensuring a safe and secure workplace for all.”
Morelle has been serving as a representative for New York’s 25th congressional district since 2018, most recently winning his second term in 2020 against businessman George Mitris. He previously was a member of the New York State Assembly, representing an area of the state that includes Rochester.
The New York congressman is the ranking member of the Committee on House Administration, and he is on the Committee on Appropriations. He also serves on the New Democrat Coalition, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption and the congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment.
Politico and The New York Times had reported that Morelle was one of the lawmakers that urged President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election race. A 2021 FiveThirtyEight analysis, however, found that Morelle voted in favor of Biden’s positions 100% of the time during the 117th Congress.
The arrest has raised concerns about the accountability of Congressional staff and the robustness of security protocols in federal buildings. Questions have emerged regarding Hopkins’ role in Morelle’s office and the possibility of disciplinary actions.
The case underscores the importance of vigilance in securing government facilities, particularly those housing members of Congress. It also highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in ensuring compliance with firearm and ammunition regulations within high-profile government buildings. U.S. Capitol Police, who maintain strict security procedures, have stated that the investigation remains active, and additional details are expected to emerge as inquiries continue.
Morelle has long advocated for gun control, pushing a slate of gun control measures that many view as a direct assault on Second Amendment rights and personal freedoms. His proposals include banning commonly owned firearms, restricting magazine capacity, and imposing burdensome regulations on gun purchases and ownership, which critics argue punish law-abiding citizens while doing little to deter criminals.
Among his initiatives are bills to increase federal oversight of gun shops, mandate waiting periods, and encourage states to pass red flag laws, which has been labeled as ripe for abuse and a violation of due process.
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