BREAKING: House Democrat’s Staffer Arrested In Capitol Building

By Free Republic | Created at 2024-12-02 20:41:20 | Updated at 2024-12-04 08:32:37 1 day ago

BREAKING: House Democrat’s Staffer Arrested In Capitol Building
Trending Politics ^ | 12/2/2024 | Chris Powell

Posted on 12/02/2024 12:25:09 PM PST by Signalman

A staffer for Democratic Representative Joe Morelle (D-NY) was arrested on Friday on Capitol Hill after Capitol Police discovered ammunition in his bag during routine security screening at the Cannon House Office Building.

Michael Hopkins, 38, was charged with unlawful possession of ammunition following the incident. According to Capitol Police, Hopkins placed his bag through an X-ray scanner at the security checkpoint, where officers identified suspicious items on the screen. Upon further inspection, they found four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds of ammunition inside his bag, according to WROC.

Hopkins reportedly told officers he had forgotten the ammunition was there, according to investigators. The discovery immediately triggered heightened security measures, although no firearms were found in Hopkins’ possession or linked to the incident. He was taken into custody and faces charges of illegal ammunition possession, including one count for having a high-capacity magazine.

"This morning, our office was informed that a member of our staff was arrested by Capitol Police,” said Congressman Morelle’s Chief of Staff Jo Stiles following the arrest.

“We are currently gathering more information regarding the circumstances of the arrest. Our office is fully committed to cooperating with the investigation. As Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, Congressman Morelle is devoted to ensuring a safe and secure workplace for all,” Stiles finished.

The arrest has drawn attention to federal laws governing firearms and ammunition in the District of Columbia, which has some of the nation’s strictest regulations. Under D.C. law, possession of ammunition is illegal unless the individual holds a valid firearm registration certificate.

“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,” Capitol Police revealed in a statement to Fox News.

“After a hand search of the bag, officers found four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds of ammunition. The staffer told the officers that he forgot the ammunition was in the bag,” the statement added.

On Monday morning, Morelle’s office stated that it was in the process of gathering additional information regarding the arrest.

“Our office is fully committed to cooperating with the investigation,” read the statement from Morelle’s office. “As Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, Congressman Morelle is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure workplace for everyone.”

Congressman Morelle, representing New York’s 25th district, is ironically a strong advocate for comprehensive gun reform. He has sponsored and co-sponsored several legislative measures aimed at reducing gun violence and enhancing public safety.

This arrest comes as lawmakers and their staff continue to navigate heightened scrutiny and intense partisanship in the nation’s capital.

TOPICS: Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: stafferarrest; trendingpolitics

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1 posted on 12/02/2024 12:25:09 PM PST by Signalman

To: Signalman

Happens to me all the time..................

2 posted on 12/02/2024 12:26:30 PM PST by Red Badger (Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegals are put up in 5 Star hotels....................)

To: Signalman

That’s attempted assassination, with the NY Rep as an accessory. They can both be bankrupted and forced to endure trials for the next 2-4 years.

To: Signalman

Four magazines, 11 rounds????

4 posted on 12/02/2024 12:27:15 PM PST by exnavy

To: Signalman

He “forgot.”

Well, then, it’s ok. Just don’t let it happen again.

5 posted on 12/02/2024 12:27:42 PM PST by ProtectOurFreedom (Republicans are the party that says ‘Government doesn’t work.’ Then they get elected and prove it.)

To: Signalman

6 posted on 12/02/2024 12:29:09 PM PST by MeneMeneTekelUpharsin (Freedom is the freedom to discipline yourself so others don't have to do it for you.)

To: Signalman

Democrat Morelle, the news source did say,
Had a staffer named Hopkins in the Capitol one day;
Hopkins brought with him some gun magazines,
And some ammo in his bag—oh what a scene!
Morelle, Morelle, Morelle, Morelle,
What are your plans for your staffer? Do tell!

7 posted on 12/02/2024 12:29:59 PM PST by chajin ("There is no other name under heaven given among people by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12)

To: Signalman

Testing the system? Trying to sneak in ammo for use at a later date?

There are these and a few other questions I would like answers to here.

To: exnavy

The way I read it, it was four mags plus eleven loose rounds.

9 posted on 12/02/2024 12:31:17 PM PST by Quickgun (I got here kicking,screaming and covered in someone else's blood. I can go out that way if I have to)

To: Signalman

Hidden someplace inside that building is a pistol that matches the calibre of that ammo...

10 posted on 12/02/2024 12:31:29 PM PST by The Louiswu (Pray for Peace in the world.)

To: MeneMeneTekelUpharsin

If only his name were Brandon.

11 posted on 12/02/2024 12:32:48 PM PST by Track9

To: Signalman

Happened to a third-generation Eagle Scout client of mine at the San Antonio airport. He had put his carry weapon in his rucksack when he drove to visit his mom and forgot to take it out when he left on a TDY. Federal arrest, charge dropped when they believed his story, but I still had to work to keep his security clearance.

Also happened to me, same airport, I was carrying a ruck that had 5 shotgun shells in it (box spilled in the coat closet and I didn’t notice). I think my “Oh, shit!” convinced the TSA guy it was unintentional. He said, “Well, what do you want me to do with them?” I said to get rid of them, he said okay, that was it (except for the ass-chewing from The Colonel’s Wife after we got to the gate. What can I say, she’s often right!).

12 posted on 12/02/2024 12:34:46 PM PST by jagusafr ( )

To: Signalman

Cannon House Office Building

Once he's in the Cannon HOB, isn't there a myriad of tunnels and destinations in the Capitol complex where he could bring that contraband. And would that be potentially without additional detector checkpoints?

13 posted on 12/02/2024 12:38:23 PM PST by rx

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