A staffer for Rep. Joseph D. Morelle was terminated following his arrest for bringing ammunition and high-capacity magazines into the Cannon House Office Building.
The Daily Mail reported that Hopkins faced immediate arrest after Capitol Police detected suspicious items in his bag during a routine x-ray screening at the entry of the Cannon House Office Building. The x-ray images revealed what seemed to be ammunition that prompted further manual investigation.
On conducting a hand search of Hopkins' bag, Capitol Police discovered four high-capacity magazines along with eleven rounds of ammunition.
This startling find led to his immediate arrest on charges associated with the unlawful possession of these items.
Hopkins, who served as the communications director for Rep. Morelle, a New York Democrat and the ranking member of the House Administration Committee, explained that he had unintentionally left the ammunition in his bag. Despite this, the severity of the infraction led to decisive action from Morelle’s office.
Jo Stiles, Morelle’s chief of staff, confirmed that “In response to this morning’s incident, Mr. Hopkins is no longer employed by Representative Morelle’s office effective immediately." This was part of a swift response reflecting the seriousness with which Morelle’s office treats security violations.
In their official statement, Rep. Morelle's office declared their full cooperation with the ongoing investigation and reiterated their dedication to maintaining a secure and safe working environment, reflecting the responsibilities of the House Administration Committee.
Washington, D.C.’s strict laws were highlighted by this incident, including the prohibition of firearms on Capitol premises and a strict 10-round limit on ammunition magazines. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety and security of all individuals on Capitol grounds.
The enforcement of these laws is critical given the significant security concerns associated with government buildings, especially the Capitol, which has seen similar breaches in past years. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges and the importance of rigorous security protocols.
The Capitol Police statement detailed their findings, noting, "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, which are not permitted on Capitol premises."
Capitol Police have had to address several security incidents over recent years, involving unauthorized weapons and other prohibited items.
These occurrences underscore the ongoing risk and the need for constant vigilance in security measures at Capitol buildings.
The Committee on House Administration, under Rep. Morelle's leadership, is tasked with overseeing House operations and ensuring the safety and integrity of Capitol facilities. This incident, directly involving a member of his staff, puts additional spotlight on the security measures and protocols in place.
The arrest of Michael Hopkins for carrying ammunition and high-capacity magazines into the Cannon House Office Building has resulted in his immediate dismissal and highlighted critical issues surrounding Capitol security.
This breach underscores the stringent regulations against carrying firearms and ammunition into federal buildings and the vigilance needed to maintain security. The incident also reflects the quick and uncompromising response from Rep. Morelle's office, aligning with their commitment to ensure a safe working environment.
This case serves as another significant example in the Capitol Police logs, reflecting their ongoing efforts to uphold the law and ensure safety for all on Capitol premises.