Democrat Staffer For Rep. Joe Morelle Arrested At U.S. Capitol

The U.S. Capitol police arrested a staffer from Democrat Representative Joe Morelle’s office.

The U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement, “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,” added the U.S. Capitol Police.

Michael Hopkins, 38, of Rep. Morelle’s office, was arrested and “charged with unlawful possession of ammunition including a high-capacity magazine.”

🚨A Democratic House staffer for Rep. Joe Morelle, Michael Hopkins, was arrested at the Capitol on Monday after security found ammunition, including four magazines and 11 rounds, in his bag, according to Capitol Police. pic.twitter.com/0iQ0xuhe56

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 2, 2024

US Capitol Police arrest House Democrat staff member after finding ammo in bag

If a Republican staffer had done this, it would be labeled as an insurrection. Since it’s a Democrat staffer, it will be dismissed as a mistake. Watch how the media frames it.https://t.co/ucqMKHzEdz

— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) December 2, 2024

Per Fox News:

The U.S. Capitol Police arrested a member of a House Democrat’s staff Thursday morning after he allegedly tried to bring ammunition into the Cannon House Office Building.

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The office of Rep. Joe Morelle – who represents New York’s 25th Congressional District – told WROC that it is “fully committed to cooperating with the investigation.”

“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 told Fox News in a statement.

“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 continued.

Morelle aide Michael Hopkins arrested for bringing ammo into Cannon Office Building: FOX Newshttps://t.co/Ipd8q6aVA1

— Allison Papson (@AllisonPapson) December 2, 2024

Here’s what WHEC reported:

A staff member of Rep. Joe Morelle is facing charges after U.S. Capitol Police said they found ammunition in his bag on Monday.

Capitol Police say they found Michael Hopkins, 38, with four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds during a routine x-ray screening. It happened around 8:45 a.m. as the House staffer was entering the Cannon House Office Building.

Hopkins is charged with unlawful possession of ammunition including a high-capacity magazine. According to Capitol Police, Hopkins told them he forgot that the ammunition was in his bag.

Rep. Morelle’s office confirmed the arrest, releasing this statement:

“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.”

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