A House Democrat staff member was let go after being detained by Capitol Police.

Rep. Joe Morelle of New York employed Michael Hopkins.

A House Democrat staff member was let go after being detained by Capitol Police.
A House Democrat staff member was let go after being detained by Capitol Police.

A Cannon House Office Building staff member has been fired after being accused of attempting to smuggle ammunition into the building this week.

On Monday morning, the communications director for Rep. Joe Morelle, D-N.Y., Michael Hopkins, was arrested by the U.S. Capitol Police at the age of 38.

Jo Stiles, Chief of Staff to Rep. Morelle, announced that Mr. Hopkins is no longer employed by their office due to this morning's incident, as stated in a Planet Chronicle Digital report.

On Monday, a House staffer entered the Cannon House Office Building and put his bag through screening. At approximately 8:45 a.m., USCP officers noticed what appeared to be ammunition on the x-ray screen.

Michael Hopkins DC staffer
Michael Hopkins, a staff member for Rep. Joe Morelle, is seen during a past interview with Fox5 DC. (Fox5 DC)

The staffer admitted to forgetting that he had ammunition in the bag, which was discovered by officers during a hand search.

Joe Morelle
Rep. Joe Morelle, D-NY, interviews witnesses during a House Rules Committee hearing on the impeachment against President Donald Trump, on Dec. 17. 2019. (Jason Andrew/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Hopkins is now being charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, including a high-capacity magazine, according to Capitol Police.

Before announcing Hopkins' dismissal, Morelle's office stated that they were still collecting information regarding the arrest.

Rep. Joe Morelle
Rep. Joe Morelle, D-N.Y., speaks during a House Administration Committee hearing in March 2023. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Congressman Morelle, as the Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, is committed to maintaining a safe and secure work environment for all.

Planet Chronicle’ Chad Pergram contributed to this report.

by Greg Norman

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