Meet Michael Hopkins, former Congressional staffer arrested for ammunition possession on the Capitol
Michael Hopkins, a 38-year-old former communications director for Consultant Joe Morelle (D-NY), was arrested on Monday morning by US Capitol Police for making an attempt to convey ammunition into the Cannon Home Workplace Constructing.
Throughout a routine bag screening at 8.45 am (native time), officers discovered 11 rounds of ammunition and 4 magazines, one in every of which was a high-capacity journal. Hopkins reportedly said that he had forgotten the ammunition was in his bag.
He now faces fees for illegal possession of ammunition, together with one rely associated to the high-capacity journal, reported Newsweek.
The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of Capitol safety protocols. It’s the second time in three years {that a} congressional staffer has been arrested for possessing ammunition on the Capitol.
The arrest has already led to instant repercussions, with Consultant Morelle’s workplace terminating Hopkins’ employment by Monday afternoon and issuing an announcement reaffirming its dedication to office security, in keeping with Axios.
Who’s Michael Hopkins?
- Michael Hopkins is a former communications director who labored for Congressman Joe Morelle, a Democrat representing New York’s twenty fifth Congressional District.
- Hopkins was accountable for managing the workplace’s communications technique, together with public relations and media interactions.
- Morelle, a senior determine within the Home, serves because the Rating Member of the Committee on Home Administration and holds important affect in Capitol operations and office insurance policies.
- Earlier than this incident, Hopkins was a trusted aide inside Morelle’s group, holding a vital place in guaranteeing the congressman’s messages resonated with constituents and stakeholders.
- His position was notably pivotal given Morelle’s tasks as a rating member on a committee that oversees safety, administration, and operations of the Home of Representatives.
- Hopkins’ arrest has led to swift penalties. By Monday afternoon, Morelle’s workplace introduced that Hopkins was now not employed, stating that the choice was made “efficient instantly.”
- The congressman’s workplace expressed its dedication to cooperating totally with the investigation and sustaining a protected and safe office, as highlighted by Newsweek.
- The arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny of safety on the Capitol, particularly following an analogous incident in December 2023 when one other staffer was arrested for possessing ammunition and a handgun.
- That episode uncovered vulnerabilities in Capitol safety protocols, which have since been tightened.
