A routine security screening at the Cannon House Office Building leads to an unexpected arrest of a Democratic congressional staff member.
According to Fox News, Michael Hopkins, a 38-year-old staff member for Representative Joe Morelle of New York's 25th Congressional District, was arrested Thursday morning after security officers discovered ammunition in his bag during screening.
The incident occurred around 8:45 a.m. when Capitol Police officers conducting standard x-ray screening detected suspicious items in Hopkins' bag. Upon further inspection, authorities found four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds of ammunition, leading to multiple charges against the staff member.
The discovery prompted immediate action from Capitol Police, who conducted a thorough hand search of the bag after noticing suspicious items on the X-ray screen. The incident highlights the effectiveness of existing security measures at congressional buildings.
Capitol Police have charged Hopkins with unlawful possession of ammunition, including an additional charge specifically related to possessing a high-capacity magazine. These charges underscore the serious nature of the security violation within the congressional complex.
Representative Morelle's office has taken a proactive stance in addressing the situation. As the Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, Morelle has emphasized his commitment to maintaining workplace safety and security.
The Representative's office issued a statement confirming their full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. Their response demonstrates the seriousness with which they are treating the security breach.
According to Capitol Police, Hopkins claimed he had forgotten the ammunition was in his bag:
At approximately 8:45 a.m., a House staffer entered the Cannon House Office Building and put his bag through screening. USCP officers noticed what appeared to be ammunition on the x-ray screen.
The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of security measures within congressional buildings. The effectiveness of current screening procedures has been highlighted by the successful detection of prohibited items.
Representative Morelle's position as Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration adds another layer of significance to the incident. His office released a statement emphasizing their dedication to workplace safety.
The Rochester representative's team continues to gather additional information about the arrest, maintaining transparency throughout the process.
Michael Hopkins, a staff member for Democratic Representative Joe Morelle, faces charges of unlawful ammunition possession after Capitol Police discovered four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds in his bag at the Cannon House Office Building security checkpoint.
The incident occurred during a routine morning screening when x-ray detection revealed the prohibited items, leading to Hopkins' immediate arrest. Representative Morelle's office has pledged full cooperation with the investigation, while emphasizing their commitment to maintaining a secure workplace environment in Congress.
