Capitol Police Arrest House Staffer For Allegedly Trying To Carry Ammo Including a ‘High-Capacity Magazine’ Into The Cannon Office Building

Capitol police have arrested a House staffer from Rep. Joe Morelle’s (D-NY) office for allegedly carrying ammunition, including a high-capacity magazine, into the Cannon House Office Building on Monday.

The staffer was identified in a statement as 38-year old Michael Hopkins.

Chad Pergram, senior congressional correspondent for Fox News posted a statement from Capitol police to X, formally Twitter:

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. 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. 38-year-old Michael Hopkins was arrested, and he is facing charges for unlawful possession of ammunition, including one charge for possession of a high-capacity magazine.

Fox5 Washington reported that Hopkins “has been a guest…several times over the years,” as a Democratic strategist on their show The Hill, and posted video of the staffer on-air.

Morelle’s office also released a statement, saying they’re fully cooperating with the investigation:

This morning, our office was informed that a member of our staff was arrested by Capitol Police. 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.

Watch the clip above via Fox5 Washington.