Democrat Staffer Arrested for Bringing Ammo into Congressional Office

The U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) arrested Michael Hopkins, communications director for Democrat Rep. Joe Morelle (NY), on Monday after he brought ammunition into the Cannon House Office Building. Hopkins, 38, faces charges of unlawful possession of ammunition, including possession of a high-capacity magazine.

According to USCP, the arrest occurred around 8:45 a.m. during routine security screening at the Cannon building.

“At approximately 8:45 a.m., a House staffer entered the Cannon House Office Building and put his bag through screening,” USCP said in a statement.

Upon detecting what appeared to be ammunition on the x-ray, officers searched the bag and discovered:

• Four ammunition magazines

• Eleven rounds of ammunition

Hopkins reportedly told officers he “forgot the ammunition was in the bag.”

Rep. Joe Morelle’s office issued a statement following the arrest, pledging cooperation with the investigation.

“We are currently gathering more information regarding the circumstances of the arrest. Our office is fully committed to cooperating with the investigation,” the statement read.

As Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, Morelle emphasized his commitment to ensuring safety in congressional workplaces.

This is not the first time a staffer has been caught bringing weapons or ammunition into a congressional building. In 2021, another staffer was arrested for allegedly bringing a loaded handgun into the Longworth U.S. House Office Building.

That incident raised questions about Capitol security protocols. USCP reportedly took four minutes to lock down the building and another eight minutes to locate the individual, who had already passed through metal detectors with the firearm.

The arrest of Hopkins underscores ongoing security challenges on Capitol Hill. While no harm resulted from this latest incident, critics argue that repeated breaches reveal gaps in existing measures.

As investigations into the matter continue, this case will likely fuel broader discussions about security policies and their enforcement in congressional facilities.

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